Language moves — these words used to be said quite differently.
forteFORT or FOR-tay
Meaning "strength", historically just "FORT" — the two-syllable form is now common too.
errUR or AIR
Both are accepted today; "UR" was long considered more traditional.
harassHAR-us or huh-RASS
Stress has drifted between the first and second syllable across generations.
controversyKON-truh-ver-see
British speech has shifted the stress over the last century.
applicableAP-lik-uh-bul or uh-PLIK-uh-bul
Both stress patterns are now widely heard.
nicheNEESH or NICH
The French-style "NEESH" has overtaken the older anglicized "NICH".
oftenOFF-en or OFF-ten
The T, historically silent, is making a comeback in some speakers.
galaGAY-luh or GAH-luh
Both pronunciations coexist depending on region and era.