Arbitrary: meaning, definitions and examples
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arbitrary
[ ˈɑːbɪtrəri ]
in decision making
Based on random choice or personal whim, rather than any reason or system.
Synonyms
capricious, random, unpredictable, whimsical
Examples of usage
- His decisions are often arbitrary and unpredictable.
- She made an arbitrary choice without considering the consequences.
in rules or standards
Existing or coming about seemingly at random or by chance or as a capricious and unreasonable act of will.
Synonyms
capricious, random, unpredictable, whimsical
Examples of usage
- The defendant complained about the arbitrary nature of the sentence.
- The company has faced criticism for its arbitrary policies.
Translations
Translations of the word "arbitrary" in other languages:
🇵🇹 arbitrário
🇮🇳 मनमाना
🇩🇪 willkürlich
🇮🇩 sewenang-wenang
🇺🇦 довільний
🇵🇱 arbitralny
🇯🇵 任意の
🇫🇷 arbitraire
🇪🇸 arbitrario
🇹🇷 keyfi
🇰🇷 임의의
🇸🇦 تعسفي
🇨🇿 libovolný
🇸🇰 ľubovoľný
🇨🇳 任意的
🇸🇮 poljuben
🇮🇸 handahófskennt
🇰🇿 өз еркімен
🇬🇪 ნებისმიერი
🇦🇿 arbitrar
🇲🇽 arbitrario
Word origin
The word 'arbitrary' comes from the Latin word 'arbitrarius', meaning 'depending on one's judgment or discretion'. It first appeared in English in the early 16th century. Over time, the word has come to signify decisions or rules made without a clear or reasonable basis, often characterized by randomness or personal whim.