How to Pronounce Arbitrary

To pronounce "arbitrary", say ARB-itr-ary — 3 syllables, IPA /ˈɑɹ.bɪ.tɹɛ(ə).ɹi/. Tap play below to hear it in four English accents, or practice it syllable by syllable.

arbitrary

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Accent

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3

Syllables

9

Letters

/ˈɑɹ.bɪ.tɹɛ(ə).ɹi/

IPA

💡 Tip for remembering “arbitrary”

"arbitrary" has 3 syllables: arb-itr-ary. It rhymes with extraordinary and contemporary, if that helps it stick.

What does arbitrary mean?

noun

  1. Anything arbitrary, such as an arithmetical value or a fee.

adjective

  1. (usually of a decision) Based on individual discretion or judgment; not based on any objective distinction, perhaps even made at random.

    “Benjamin Franklin's designation of "positive" and "negative" to different charges was arbitrary.”

  2. Determined by impulse rather than reason; heavy-handed.

Hear “arbitrary” in real sentences

Real example sentences from Tatoeba (CC-BY) — tap to hear each one, or see it used on YouGlish.

Words that rhyme with arbitrary

Practicing rhymes trains the same ending sounds.

extraordinarycontemporarycontrarysanctuarysolitarywaryordinarytarryemissarycarryancillaryairy

Related words

discretionarydiscretionalimpulsivecapriciousabsolutewhimsicalperemptoryjudgmental

Frequently asked questions

How many syllables are in "arbitrary"?▾

"Arbitrary" has 3 syllables: arb · itr · ary.

What is the IPA transcription of "arbitrary"?▾

The IPA transcription of "arbitrary" is /ˈɑɹ.bɪ.tɹɛ(ə).ɹi/.

What does "arbitrary" mean?▾

Arbitrary: Anything arbitrary, such as an arithmetical value or a fee.

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