The pronunciation of the word “dove” depends on whether you are referring to the bird or using it as a synonym for “pigeon”. When referring to the bird, “dove” is pronounced like “duhv” with a short “u” sound. However, when using “dove” to mean “pigeon”, it is typically pronounced like “duv” with a long “u” sound.
Quick Answers
Here are some quick answers to common questions about pronouncing “dove”:
- Pronunciation referring to the bird: “duhv” (short “u” sound)
- Pronunciation referring to a pigeon: “duv” (long “u” sound)
- Main difference is the length of the “u” vowel sound
- “Dove” and “pigeon” can be used interchangeably when referring to the bird
- Context clues indicate whether “dove” means the bird or a pigeon
Explanation of the Different Pronunciations
When referring specifically to the small, delicate-looking bird known as the dove, the standard pronunciation is “duhv” with a short “u” vowel sound. This is the typical pronunciation used by ornithologists, birdwatchers, and other experts when referring to the family Columbidae of birds, which includes doves and pigeons.
Doves are commonly symbolized as an emblem of peace, love, and gentleness due to their graceful appearance and gentle cooing sounds. The dove is also culturally and religiously significant across many societies throughout history.
The most common species associated with the name “dove” include:
- Rock dove
- Common ground dove
- Mourning dove
- Collared dove
- Laughing dove
On the other hand, when “dove” is used simply to mean “pigeon” with no distinction between the two, it is common to pronounce it like “duv” with a long “u”.
Pigeons belong to the same Columbidae family of birds as doves, but tend to refer more specifically to larger, plumper species such as:
- Rock pigeon
- Domestic pigeon
- Feral pigeon
- Wood pigeon
- Band-tailed pigeon
In common vernacular, “dove” and “pigeon” are often used interchangeably when referring to the most common types of these birds, such as the gray or white birds seen in urban areas. In these casual usages, “dove” takes on the long “u” pronunciation of “duv”.
Some examples:
- “Look at all the doves/pigeons in the plaza!”
- “I saw a dove/pigeon landing on the balcony.”
- “We need to get rid of those pesky doves/pigeons.”
In summary, the key distinction between the two pronunciations depends on whether you intend “dove” as a general synonym for “pigeon”, or if you are referring precisely to the smaller, delicate-looking species known specifically as the dove.
Typical Usage in Context
Here are some examples that demonstrate how the pronunciation of “dove” changes based on the context and intended meaning:
Referring to the specific bird species:
- “The duhv flew gracefully from its nest.”
- “Many species of duhv make a soft cooing sound.”
- “The mourning duhv has long tail feathers.”
- “I spotted a beautiful white duhv in the tree.”
Referring to pigeons in general:
- “Look at all the duvs gathering around the tourist with food.”
- “The duvs were trying to get into the building to nest.”
- “The sidewalk was covered in duv droppings.”
- “Stop feeding those filthy duvs!”
As you can see, the context makes it clear whether “dove” is being used to refer specifically to the delicate bird species, or as a general synonym for “pigeon”. The pronunciation changes accordingly.
Regional and Dialect Variations
There are some regional dialects that typically use “dove” interchangeably with “pigeon” for all meanings and pronounce both as “duv” with a long “u” sound. However, among most standard English speakers, the two different pronunciations are used to make the distinction outlined above.
In some areas, “dove” is pronounced “dohv” to rhyme with “stove” no matter if it refers to the bird or the synonym for “pigeon.” This pronunciation is less common but still heard in some dialects.
The pronunciation also differs in British English compared to American English for some meanings.
Term | American English | British English |
---|---|---|
Dove (the bird) | “duhv” | “duhv” |
Dove (pigeon synonym) | “duv” | “duhv” |
As the table shows, the British pronunciation uses “duhv” in all cases, while American pronunciation makes a distinction between the long and short “u” sounds based on the meaning.
Usage in Common Expressions
There are some common expressions using “dove” where the intended meaning is ambiguous without context:
- “Doves mate for life.”
- “Doves are a symbol of peace.”
- “The doves flew from the cote.”
Because doves and pigeons belong to the same family and share many characteristics, these phrases could refer to either bird. The pronunciation could go either way:
- “Duhs mate for life.”
- “Duvs are a symbol of peace.”
Only if additional context clearly indicates the specific dove bird would the “duhv” pronunciation be used:
- “White doves are often released at weddings as a symbol of peace.”
- “The mourning dove’s cry sounds like a sad coo.”
Tips for Determining Pronunciation
Here are some tips to help determine if “dove” should be pronounced as “duhv” or “duv” based on usage:
- Referring to a specific dove species = “duhv”
- Referring to pigeons broadly = “duv”
- In ornithology or birding context = “duhv”
- In casual, non-specific contexts = “duv”
- When another word indicates the dove species = “duhv” (e.g. “mourning dove”)
- In British English = likely “duhv” in all uses
Listen for context clues to pick up on the intended meaning based on whether specific dove features are described versus general pigeon/bird characteristics. With familiarity, the different pronunciations will become more intuitive.
Conclusion
In summary, the pronunciation of the word “dove” depends largely on whether it refers specifically to the delicate dove bird species, or if used as a general synonym for “pigeon.”
The main differences are:
- Dove (the bird) = “duhv” (short “u” sound)
- Dove (pigeon synonym) = “duv” (long “u” sound)
Regional dialects may pronounce “dove” as “duhv” or “dohv” in all cases. But most standard English distinguishes the pronunciation based on the meaning and context clues.
So next time you talk about doves or pigeons, listen for the vowel sound to pick up on the intended meaning as well as gain insight into the local dialect.
Doves and pigeons have been socially significant for centuries, appearing in myths, fables, religion and more. The dove is a frequent Christian symbol of the Holy Spirit, peace and new beginnings. A dove appears at Jesus’ baptism. In ancient Greek mythology Aphrodite’s chariot was pulled by doves. Doves also symbolized lovers in ancient Greece and Rome. Greek mythology associated doves with love goddesses like Venus.
Doves sometimes represented the cycle of life in ancient Egypt, Greece and Rome. In some cases dove imagery signified resurrection or the soul’s journey after death.
In Islam, the dove helped the prophet Muhammad. It brought him water by flapping its wings so a spring burst from the dry earth. A pair of doves said “Siddiq” to confirm his truthfulness.
Noah’s dove in the biblical flood story brought an olive branch back to the ark after the floodwaters receded. This signified the possibility of new life on land. Later, Joseph and Mary sacrificed two doves at the temple for the presentation of Jesus.
Dove imagery continues influencing literature, music, art, wedding traditions and more. Picasso’s lithograph La Colombe depicted an image of a dove with an olive branch to protest against the Vietnam War. The Beatles “Two of Us” lyrics compare a couple to two lovebirds. At weddings today, white doves are still released to represent the couple’s love.
Pigeons have their own distinct history and symbolism. Carrier pigeons delivered messages between locations before modern communication developed. Famous passenger pigeons in North America are now extinct after being heavily hunted. Releases of white homing pigeons still mark public events today.
Feral urban pigeons are often viewed negatively as “rats with wings” and “flying rats” because of their droppings and perceived dirtiness. But some pigeon fanciers breed them for racing and shows.
Pigeons appear in history too, like in Ancient Egypt where they represented fertility and nourishment. Romans used pigeons to spread news from distant lands back to Rome.
Noah’s dove was likely a rock dove, one of the first domesticated birds. Their homing ability helped them give early warnings in wartime. In WWI and WWII, pigeons carried vital messages between battalions. The Dickin Medal recognized war pigeons’ bravery and service.
Cher Ami was one famous WWI pigeon who flew 12 miles in 25 minutes while seriously wounded to deliver a message that saved 194 stranded soldiers. Despite losing a limb and being shot in the chest, Cher Ami delivered the lifesaving message.
Pigeons even influenced Charles Darwin’s research on natural selection and evolution. He studied different pigeon breeds to understand inherited traits passed between generations.
Today, dove and pigeon symbolism overlaps in many ways as they remain genetically almost identical. Both represent peace, fidelity, motherhood, nurturing, spirituality and blessings throughout cultures worldwide.
The dove tends to symbolize unconditional love, hope, grace and beauty. The pigeon symbolizes security, home, fertility and abundance. But their shared ancestry means they often represent similar themes.
Their cooing voices sound pleasant to some, but annoying to others. While doves get more praise for their beauty, pigeons are unfairly maligned. But whether pronounced as “duhv” or “duv,” both birds have intriguing histories.
These birds fascinate with their homing ability, swift flight and aerial maneuvers. Watching a flock form shifting shapes offers entertainment. When not viewed as pests, they’re considered positive symbols.
Doves and pigeons deserve recognition for their services to humanity over centuries. From delivering hope to Noah and vital messages in war to furthering science, these birds are more than just urban annoyances.
Maybe the two pronunciations of their shared name signifies their dual nature and reputation. The delicate dove evokes “duhv,” while the common pigeon prompts many to say “duv.” But their shared ancestry and symbolism unites them.
Perhaps we should view all their kind – whether typical gray city pigeons or white-feathered doves – as equally beautiful. Hearing both pronunciations can remind us to appreciate doves and pigeons in all their forms.
Next time you see these birds peacefully coexisting in a park or plaza, listen for their shared soft murmurs. Let thoughts of history and meaning fill your mind, not just stereotypes. And remember this lesson on pronunciation as a sign of their hidden depths.