arbitrary

Arbitrary is defined as something that is determined by judgment or whim and not for any specific reason or rule.

(adjective)

An example of an arbitrary decision would be a decision to go to the beach, just because you feel like it.
An example of arbitrary behavior would be getting mad at someone even when they haven't done anything wrong.

See arbitrary in Webster's New World College Dictionary

adjective

not fixed by rules, but left to one's judgment or choice; discretionary: arbitrary decision, arbitrary judgment
based on one's preference, notion, whim, etc.; capricious: young children and their arbitrary rules for games
absolute; despotic

Origin: L arbitrarius < arbiter, arbiter

Related Forms:

See arbitrary in American Heritage Dictionary 4

adjective

Determined by chance, whim, or impulse, and not by necessity, reason, or principle: stopped at the first motel we passed, an arbitrary choice.
Based on or subject to individual judgment or preference: The diet imposes overall calorie limits, but daily menus are arbitrary.
Established by a court or judge rather than by a specific law or statute: an arbitrary penalty.
Not limited by law; despotic: the arbitrary rule of a dictator.

Origin:

Origin: Middle English arbitrarie

Origin: , from Latin arbitrārius

Origin: , from arbiter, arbitr-, arbiter; see arbiter

Related Forms: