How to pronounce arbitrary
Say it like AR-buh-trer-ee. Arbitrary has four 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 arbitrary. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- AR
- buh
- trer
- ee
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Arbitrary 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.
- buhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- trerGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "e" in bed.
- eeKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "ee" in see.
American vs British pronunciation of arbitrary
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
British respelling: AH-bih-truh-ree.
What does arbitrary mean?
- based on or subject to individual discretion or preference or sometimes impulse or caprice“an arbitrary decision”“the arbitrary rule of a dictator”
Where does arbitrary come from?
From Middle English arbitrarie, Latin arbitrārius (“arbitrary, uncertain”), from arbiter (“witness, on-looker, listener, judge, overseer”).
Questions about saying arbitrary
How do you pronounce arbitrary?
Say AR-buh-trer-ee. The American pronunciation is /ˈɑrbəˌtrɛri/. In British English it is /ˈɑːbɪtrəri/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in arbitrary?
Arbitrary has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (AR). Broken into parts: AR · buh · trer · ee.
Is arbitrary 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 /ˈɑːbɪtrəri/ (AH-bih-truh-ree).