Why is โ€˜tโ€™ silent in these words Watch, Listen, Butcher

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A โ€œtโ€ is commonly made silent when in words with โ€“sten, -ften, and โ€“stle. For example:
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  • Glisten
  • Listen
  • Whistle
  • Thistle
  • Wrestle
  • Castle

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However, there are words which can be pronounced with both a silent or pronounced โ€˜tโ€™. Such as:
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  • Soften
  • Often

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In words where the โ€˜tโ€™ is paired with โ€˜chโ€™, we do actually pronounce it, but not strongly. You can notice your tongue touch the roof of your mouth when saying words with the โ€˜tchโ€™ sound. This happens when the soft, but not silent โ€˜tโ€™ is pronounced. Try watching yourself when saying these words:
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  • Watch
  • Butcher
  • Fetch
  • Match
  • Itch
  • Hatch
  • Sketch
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