How to pronounce TRANSIENT
It has two syllables not three, so it’s “transhent,” not “tran-zee-ent.” (Mind blown? Ours too.)
How to pronounce VALET
Downton Abbey got it right. It’s not a French word, so pronouncing the last syllable as “ay” is incorrect. It should be sounded as “val-it.” (Another fake French word: foyer, which is pronounced “foy-ur,” not “foy-ay.”)
How to pronounce FORTE
If you’re discussing someone’s “forte,” as in a strength, the “e” is silent. “Fortay” is correct only if you’re using it as a musical term.
How to pronounce DECREASE
If you’re using it as a noun, it’s de-crease. If you’re using it as a verb, it’s de-crease.
How to pronounce CARAMEL
“Kah-ruh-mull” is the original way and still the preferred way, although “kar-mull,” which was once a Midwestern regional pronunciation, is also acceptable.
How to pronounce EITHER
“Eee-thur” or “aye-thur”? “Eee-thur” is the preferred way. (And so is “nee-thur.”)