English pronunciation · Words Starting with A
Arbitrary Pronunciation
Arbitrary is pronounced AHR-buh-tre-ree, IPA /ˈɑrbəˌtrɛri/.
AHR-buh-tre-ree
US /ˈɑrbəˌtrɛri/ · UK /ˈɑːbɪtrəri/
Syllables: AHR · buh · tre · ree (4 syllables, stress on syllable 1)
adjective: Decided on a whim rather than for a reason.
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Arbitrary in a Sentence
- The deadline feels arbitrary.
- He made an arbitrary cut to the budget.
- Any arbitrary number will do for the test.
Common Mispronunciations of Arbitrary
Not ahr-BI-truh-ree
Load the front syllable AHR and let the three behind it run light.
Not AHR-bi-tree
Give all four syllables room, because trimming it to three loses the a of the trary ending.
Tip: Arbitrate trims the word to three beats and keeps the front stress: AHR-bi-trayt.
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