Theater pronunciation dispute

[Unregistered]

Okay; most people pronounce theater as "thee-uh-ter". I get that; personally, I've always pronounced it the other way: "thee-ay-ter". Now, I've always had strong spelling, grammar and punctuation skills. I think it can go both ways and some places agree with that, while others say it's only "thee-uh-ter". I have a two-fold question: am I incorrect in pronouncing it as "thee-ay-ter" and if I am, *why* is it only pronounced "thee-uh-ter"? I can't explain why, but it feels like "thee-ay-ter" is also a correct pronunciation within the American English language. I'm not looking for a reply just saying "it's 'thee-uh-ter'", I want to know precisely why, in as much detail as possible, the rules of our language say it's only "thee-uh-ter", if that is the case.

Thanks :)

[susiedqq]

Ha! In the US, it depends on where you are from

Therr-tur

Thee aa toor

Thee ah tur