How to pronounce arbiter
Say it like AR-bih-ter. Arbiter has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (AR).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce arbiter. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- AR
- bih
- ter
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Arbiter pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- ARSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "ah" in father.
- bihKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
- terKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "er" in butter.
American vs British pronunciation of arbiter
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
- Americans usually soften the t in the middle into a quick d-like tap; British speakers keep a crisp t.
British respelling: AH-bih-tuh.
What does arbiter mean?
- A person appointed, or chosen, by parties to determine a controversy between them; an arbitrator.
- A person or object having the power of judging, determining, or ordaining; one whose power of deciding and governing is not limited.“Television and film, not Vogue and similar magazines, are the arbiters of fashion.”
- A component in circuitry that allocates scarce resources.
- To act as an arbiter.
Where does arbiter come from?
From Middle English arbiter, arbytour, arbitre, from Old French arbitre, from Latin arbiter (“a witness, judge, literally one who goes to see”).
Questions about saying arbiter
How do you pronounce arbiter?
Say AR-bih-ter. The American pronunciation is /ˈɑrbɪtɚ/. In British English it is /ˈɑːbɪtə/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in arbiter?
Arbiter has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (AR). Broken into parts: AR · bih · ter.
Is arbiter pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead. The British form is /ˈɑːbɪtə/ (AH-bih-tuh).