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Arbitrariness Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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arbitrariness

[หŒษ‘หrbษชหˆtreษชnษชs ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

lack of restraint

The quality of being based on random choice or personal whim, rather than any reason or system.

Synonyms

capriciousness, randomness, whim.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
arbitrariness

When referring to decisions or actions that lack any logical or fair principle, often in a context where some unpredictability and unfairness is criticized.

  • The arbitrariness of the judge's rulings made people question the justice system.
  • Employees were frustrated by the arbitrariness of the new company policies.
capriciousness

Used when highlighting behavior that is unpredictable and sudden, often seeming impulsive and whimsical.

  • Her capriciousness made it difficult to make plans with her.
  • Investors were wary due to the capriciousness of the market.
whim

Used to describe a sudden idea or desire that is often fanciful or irrational but not necessarily negative.

  • On a whim, they decided to go on a road trip.
  • She bought the dress on a whim, not thinking about the cost.
randomness

Describes situations or events that happen without a discernible pattern or predictability, often scientifically or statistically.

  • The randomness of lottery numbers ensures the game is fair.
  • He was fascinated by the randomness of quantum events.

Examples of usage

  • His decisions were marked by arbitrariness rather than logic.
  • The arbitrariness of the new rules frustrated the employees.
Context #2 | Noun

unpredictability

The quality of being unpredictable and subject to chance or whim.

Synonyms

inconsistency, uncertainty, volatility.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
arbitrariness

This term is often used to describe decisions or actions that appear to lack any basis in logic or fairness, often implying a negative connotation.

  • The arbitrariness of his actions made it difficult to understand his true intentions.
  • Employees complained about the manager's arbitrariness when it came to handing out bonuses.
uncertainty

This term describes a state of being unsure about what will happen or how something will turn out. It is often used in various scenarios including business, personal life, science, and more.

  • The uncertainty about the future of the company made investors nervous.
  • He felt a great deal of uncertainty before making the final decision.
inconsistency

This word is used when there is a lack of regularity or predictability in behavior, actions, or events. It often points to unreliability or fluctuating standards.

  • Her inconsistency at work was becoming a problem for the entire team.
  • The coach criticized the player's inconsistency on the field.
volatility

This word is used to describe situations, especially in financial markets, that are highly prone to rapid and unpredictable changes. It is often associated with instability.

  • The stock market's volatility can be stressful for new investors.
  • The region has a history of political volatility.

Examples of usage

  • The arbitrariness of the weather made planning the event difficult.
  • We were taken aback by the arbitrariness of the judge's ruling.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Philosophy

  • Philosophers discuss arbitrariness in ethics, debating if moral values are chosen without reason or if they have inherent meaning.
  • In philosophy of language, arbitrariness refers to the relationship between words and their meanings, as there is no natural connection between them.
  • Famous linguist Ferdinand de Saussure argued that language is based on arbitrary signs, meaning that the words we use do not reflect the objects they describe.

Psychology

  • Studies show that people often prefer choices that seem random or arbitrary, as it provides a sense of freedom and individual agency.
  • Cognitive psychology explores how arbitrary decision-making can lead to biases and irrational choices, impacting judgment.
  • The concept of arbitrariness can be seen in how humans create patterns, often looking for meaning even in random events.

Law

  • In legal terminology, arbitrariness indicates decisions made by authorities that lack fairness or structured reasoning, possibly infringing on rights.
  • The principle of 'arbitrary and capricious' is used in administrative law, meaning a decision can be overturned if it appears unreasonable.
  • Comparing different legal systems can highlight how laws can seem arbitrary, depending on interpretations and cultural contexts.

Sociology

  • Sociologists examine how societal norms can arise from arbitrary standards that groups accept without questioning.
  • Social constructs, like gender roles, can be seen as arbitrary, having evolved from tradition rather than logical necessity.
  • Arbitrariness in culture helps to explain why certain practices differ widely across societies despite similar human needs.

Origin of 'arbitrariness'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Latin 'arbitrium', meaning 'judgment' or 'decision', reflecting the concept of choosing without a specific guideline.
  • It evolved in the early 19th century in English, initially used in legal contexts to describe decisions made at the discretion of a judge.
  • Related terms include 'arbitrary', which conveys a sense of randomness or lack of reason in decision-making.

The word 'arbitrariness' is derived from the Latin word 'arbitrarius', meaning 'depending on the will or discretion of another'. It first appeared in English in the early 17th century. The concept of arbitrariness has been discussed in various fields such as philosophy, law, and psychology, highlighting the importance of reason and consistency in decision-making processes.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #21,662, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.