Liter vs Litre

[Rainer]

Originally Posted by macclellan

Yes, the metric system has french origins. The -tre vs -ter difference is only for latin-based words, I believe. Butcher, baker and maker don't end in 'ter' so it doesn't apply, and I don't think those are latin words anyways

Yeah, they sound Germanic.

What about "iambic pentameter" "decanter" or "enchanter"? They certainly seem to be Latin based.

[mistergreen]

the -re words pertain only to the metric unit because it's french.

[macclellan]

@ Rainer: decanter and enchanter because they are derived from verbs (decant and enchant)? Just guessing. No idea on pentameter - that one should be pentametre, right?

Originally Posted by mistergreen

the -re words pertain only to the metric unit because it's french.

I'm not sure I understand what you mean. There are -re words which have nothing to do with the metric unit, but are of greek, latin, or french (which of course, is derived from latin) origin: mitre, centre, calibre, fibre, theatre, spectre, etc.

[Rainer]

Originally Posted by macclellan

@ Rainer: decanter and enchanter because they are derived from verbs (decant and enchant)? Just guessing. No idea on pentameter - that one should be pentametre, right?

Gotta love English - it's consistently inconsistent!

[GaMeR]

We use "litre" & "metre" over here too..

[Chucker]

Or different words altogether in some cases. When talking electricity, "earth" for British speakers, and "ground" for American Engligh.

[mistergreen]

Originally Posted by GaMeR

We use "litre" & "metre" over here too..

really?
hmmmm, I might have to rethink this and use litre in my app. Sadly, it's not as simple as changing one item in the code but not an impossible task.

[fishykid1]

Originally Posted by mistergreen

the -re words pertain only to the metric unit because it's french.

This is why the french always loose. Gotta try something different...

[macclellan]

I think its the Brits, all Commonwealth nations, Ireland, and anywhere where English was introduced by the British after the standardization of spelling in the 1800s. Anywhere that English is spoken and is American-influenced uses our spelling (Latin America in particular). If you are going for an international audience, MG, you should probably use the British spellings. When are you hoping to release the app by? Sounds pretty exciting!

Originally Posted by fishykid1

This is why the french always loose. Gotta try something different...

If you are going to insult an entire nation, especially in a discussion about spelling, it might be a good idea to spell properly. Here's a brief article by Learn English Language on the issue.

[palufreak]

Originally Posted by macclellan

@ Rainer: decanter and enchanter because they are derived from verbs (decant and enchant)? Just guessing. No idea on pentameter - that one should be pentametre, right?

I'm not sure I understand what you mean. There are -re words which have nothing to do with the metric unit, but are of greek, latin, or french (which of course, is derived from latin) origin: mitre, centre, calibre, fibre, theatre, spectre, etc.

Ok, I'm not French as in from France, but I speak French and go to a French school! Litre and metre are used in the french language.

The words you said at the bottom all use -re because they're writin the same in french!
For exemple: Nous allons aller au theatre! Nous sommes au centre! Il est de tres haut calibre! Tu as besoin plus de fibre dans ta diete!

If you have any other questions about french, let me know

[palufreak]

[QUOTE=mistergreen;1382408]litre, metre and other metric units are actually french, I believe.
[QUOTE]

I'm not sure if they are french in origin, but they are used in french yes!!!

[Rainer]

Originally Posted by palufreak

The words you said at the bottom all use -re because they're writin the same in french!

But not pronounced the same...unless we've been mispronouncing the French name Andre all this time?

[Rainer]

Originally Posted by macclellan

If you are going to insult an entire nation, especially in a discussion about spelling, it might be a good idea to spell properly.

Depends on whether he was referring to wars or bowels.

[palufreak]

Originally Posted by Rainer

But not pronounced the same...unless we've been mispronouncing the French name Andre all this time?

Exactly, if you have trouble pronounciating the sentences I wrote, don't give up!!! LOL

[mistergreen]

yeah, it has been a while since I studied latin but I don't remember any conjugated forms -re. It's probably directly French.