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pro bono

Latin Phrases
Pronunciation

Understanding ARPABET Pronunciation

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The pronunciation guide uses the ARPABET phonetic system—the same system used in speech recognition and text-to-speech applications.

Vowel Examples:
AE1 = cat, bat
EH1 = bed, head
IY1 = see, me
OW1 = go, boat
UW1 = boot, do
Stress Numbers:
0 = no stress (unstressed)
1 = primary stress (loud)
2 = secondary stress (medium)
Example:
AH0 TH IY1 N AH0
= a-THEE-na (Athena)

The stressed syllable (marked with 1) is pronounced louder and clearer than others.

Quick Definition

Meaning “for the public good,” it refers to voluntary service without payment. It implies altruism.

Detailed Definition
Pro bono suggests generosity and civic responsibility. In poetry it may characterise noble action or ironic selflessness. The phrase’s legal origin lends formal dignity to acts motivated by compassion rather than reward.
Example
Example in poetry:
A civic poem might praise doctors working pro bono for the poor; A satirical verse could question motives behind supposedly pro bono acts; A reflective lyric may describe kindness offered pro bono in quiet anonymity; A narrative poem might portray a lawyer defending justice pro bono.
Additional Notes
Pro bono conveys altruistic service and appears in socially engaged poetry. Its legal origin underscores civic responsibility. Students may explore how the phrase frames ethical action beyond personal gain.
Also Known As
For the public good Voluntary service
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