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How is the word "rapprochement" pronounced?

(Shyamlala Khoudwal, Gurgaon)

The vowel in the first syllable sounds like the "a" in "rat", "bat", and "sat". The "o" in the second syllable and the final "e" are pronounced like the "o" in "hot", "pot", and "got. Some people pronounce the "o" like the "o" in "pole", "sole", and "hole". The "ch" is like the "sh" in "ship", "sheet", and "shoot". The following "e" is silent, while the final "nt" sounds like the "ng" in "sing", "bring", and "ring". The main stress is on the second syllable "pro".

Any idea what the word means? Rapprochement is a word that is normally used in formal contexts. It is used to indicate the establishment of a good relationship between two countries after they have been hostile towards each other for some time. The word can be used with groups of people as well. Here are a few examples.

*The article argues that there are signs of rapprochement between the two parties.

*There are no signs of rapprochement between the United States and Iraq.

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"The reason grandparents and grandchildren get along so well is that they have a common enemy." Sam Levenson

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