How is “route” pronounced?

I was taught that in English, 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 having the “e” on the end changes the sound of the “ou” from the hard “ow” to the softer “oo”.

Americans pronounce “route” as “rowt “ but the English pronounce it as “root”.

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DrWatson · 70-79, M

In the United States, the pronunciation varies according to region. I grew up hearing it one way, then I moved to an area where they pronounce it the other way, and now both are in my head, so I actually forget which one is which! 😄

ChipmunkErnie · 70-79, M

@DrWatson There's probably a few who even say "roo-tay" -- the same ones who like to pronounce "Target" as "Tar-Jay"?