The county of Dorset, located in Southwest England, is often mispronounced due to its spelling. However, the correct pronunciation of the word is "DOR-set." The first syllable is pronounced with a short "o" sound, as in "hot," and the second syllable with a short "e" sound, as in "pet." The phonetic transcription of this word in IPA is /ˈdɔːsɪt/. To avoid confusion, it is important to remember the correct spelling and pronunciation of the name of this beautiful county.
Dorset is a county located in the southwest region of England. It is bordered by the English Channel to the south, Wiltshire to the northeast, and Devon to the west. With a total area of approximately 2,653 square kilometers (1,024 square miles), it is known for its diverse landscapes that range from rolling hills and chalk downs to picturesque coastline and sandy beaches.
Dorset has a rich history dating back to prehistoric times, with evidence of human occupation stretching back thousands of years. The county is renowned for its numerous archaeological sites, including the famous attraction of Stonehenge, which lies just outside its border. The area was also inhabited by the ancient Celtic Durotriges tribe, from whom the county's name is believed to have originated.
The county is home to several notable towns and cities, including the county town of Dorchester, which has a population of around 20,000 people. Other prominent towns in Dorset include Bournemouth, Poole, Weymouth, and Bridport.
Dorset is known for its stunning natural beauty, and it encompasses notable landmarks such as the Jurassic Coast, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its geological significance and fossil-rich cliffs. This coastline attracts tourists from around the world, who come to admire its breathtaking scenery and explore the numerous picturesque coastal villages and towns.
The economy of Dorset is diversified and encompasses various sectors such as tourism, agriculture, manufacturing, and service industries. The area's rich history and natural attractions make it an appealing destination for visitors, contributing significantly to the local economy.
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
The word "Dorset" is derived from the Old English word "Dornsæte", which translates to "the people of the Dor" or "the settlers of Dorn". "Dorn" is believed to have referred to a spear or a point of land, suggesting the area may have been associated with a prominent hill or a place of strategic significance. Over time, "Dorn" evolved into "Dor" and "sæte" meant "inhabitant" or "settler", giving us the name "Dorset" for the county in southwest England.