alembert: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2 / Specialized / Very Low FrequencyTechnical, Specialized (Gambling, Finance, Game Theory)
Quick answer
What does “alembert” mean?
A system of gambling or investing where one increases the stake after a loss, aiming to recover losses with a subsequent win.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A system of gambling or investing where one increases the stake after a loss, aiming to recover losses with a subsequent win.
A progressive betting strategy, named after the 18th-century French mathematician Jean le Rond d'Alembert, based on the principle of equilibrium, where one increases the bet by one unit after a loss and decreases it by one unit after a win.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Usage is identical and equally rare in both varieties. The term is domain-specific, not regional.
Connotations
Technical, mathematical, strategic. Can carry a slightly negative connotation when discussed as a potentially flawed gambling system.
Frequency
Extremely low frequency in general language. Confined to texts on probability, gambling theory, or historical accounts of mathematical systems.
Grammar
How to Use “alembert” in a Sentence
[subject] employs the Alembert[subject] follows a d'Alembert progressionto bet according to the Alembert systemVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “alembert” in a Sentence
noun
British English
- The punter decided to try the Alembert on the roulette wheel.
- A common flaw in the Alembert is the assumption of an infinite bankroll.
American English
- He used a d'Alembert progression for his blackjack bets.
- The book explained the Alembert alongside other betting systems.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare; might appear in critiques of certain high-risk investment strategies analogized to gambling systems.
Academic
Found in mathematics, history of probability, and studies of gambling behavior.
Everyday
Virtually never used.
Technical
Core usage: gambling theory, game theory, stochastic processes.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “alembert”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “alembert”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “alembert”
- Misspelling as 'D'alembert', 'Alembert' (without understanding it's a named system).
- Using it as a general verb (e.g., 'I alemberted my bets').
- Confusing it with the more aggressive 'Martingale' system.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
In games with a negative expected value (like casino games), no betting system, including the Alembert, can create a long-term advantage. It only manages the pattern of wins and losses.
Jean le Rond d'Alembert, an 18th-century French mathematician, physicist, and philosopher, though its direct link to his work is debated.
The Martingale doubles the bet after a loss for an aggressive recovery. The Alembert increases the bet by a fixed unit (e.g., one chip) for a more gradual, less capital-intensive recovery.
The concept is sometimes discussed informally in trading psychology, referring to increasing position size after a losing trade. However, it is generally considered a dangerous practice without rigorous independent edge and risk management.
A system of gambling or investing where one increases the stake after a loss, aiming to recover losses with a subsequent win.
Alembert is usually technical, specialized (gambling, finance, game theory) in register.
Alembert: in British English it is pronounced /ˈæləmbeə/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈæləmˌbɛrt/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: ALEMBERT = A Loss Evens My Balance, Expecting Recovery Tomorrow. (Highlights the 'recovery' aim of the system.)
Conceptual Metaphor
INVESTING/GAMBLING IS A SYSTEM OF EQUILIBRIUM (from the underlying mathematical principle).
Practice
Quiz
In which field is the term 'Alembert' most precisely used?