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arbitrary

Phonetic Transcription:

ˈɑːbɪtrəri

Examples:

The alphabet is not arbitrary in the slightest.

Laborious in the extreme but less arbitrary.

The choice of the name in America was arbitrary.

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arbitrary

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How to perfect your pronunciation of: arbitrary

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Common mistakes of arbitrary pronunciation

  1. Misplacing the stress: Many speakers incorrectly stress the second syllable, saying "ar-bi-ˈtrary" instead of the correct "ˈar-bi-trer-ee". Tip: Remember that the primary stress is on the first syllable.
  2. Overemphasizing the "a": Some may pronounce the first syllable as "ˈar-bə-trer-ee", adding an unnecessary schwa sound. Tip: Focus on a clear "ar" sound, as in "car", to avoid this mistake.
  3. Dropping the "t": A common error is to pronounce "arbitrary" as "ˈar-bi-rair-ee", omitting the "t" sound. Tip: Ensure you pronounce the "t" clearly by practicing with words like "tree" to reinforce the sound.
  4. Incorrect vowel sound in the last syllable: Some speakers may say "ar-bi-tri" instead of "ar-bi-trer-ee". Tip: Practice saying "three" and "see" to help maintain the correct vowel sounds in the last syllable.
  5. Confusing with similar words: People sometimes confuse "arbitrary" with "arbitrate", leading to mispronunciation. Tip: Familiarize yourself with the distinct sounds of both words, focusing on their unique syllable structures.

Frequently asked questions

How do you pronounce "arbitrary" in American English?

In American English, "arbitrary" is pronounced as /ˈɑːr.bɪ.trɛr.i/. The stress is on the first syllable: "AR".

What is the UK pronunciation of "arbitrary"?

In British English, "arbitrary" is pronounced as /ˈɑː.bɪ.trə.ri/. The primary stress is still on the first syllable, "AR", but the last syllable sounds like "ree".

How many syllables are in the word "arbitrary"?

The word "arbitrary" has five syllables: "AR-bi-trar-y". Each syllable is pronounced clearly, with the first syllable receiving the most emphasis.

Are there any common mistakes when pronouncing "arbitrary"?

A common mistake is misplacing the stress or simplifying the word to three syllables. Make sure to pronounce all five syllables distinctly to avoid confusion.
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