Arbitrary Definition
ärbĭ-trĕrē
adjective
Determined by chance, whim, or impulse, and not by necessity, reason, or principle.
Stopped at the first motel we passed, an arbitrary choice.
American Heritage
Not fixed by rules, but left to one's judgment or choice; discretionary.
Arbitrary decision, arbitrary judgment.
Webster's New World
Based on or subject to individual judgment or preference.
The diet imposes overall calorie limits, but daily menus are arbitrary.
American Heritage
Based on one's preference, notion, whim, etc.; capricious.
Young children and their arbitrary rules for games.
Webster's New World
Relating to a decision made by a court or legislature that lacks a grounding in law or fact.
An arbitrary penalty.
American Heritage
Synonyms:
noun
Anything arbitrary, such as an arithmetical value or a fee.
Wiktionary
Synonyms:
- unbesought
- ipse dixit
- dogmatism
- dictum
- dicta
Other Word Forms of Arbitrary
Noun
Singular:
arbitrary
Plural:
arbitrariesOrigin of Arbitrary
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From Middle English arbitrarie, Latin arbitrarius (“arbitrary, uncertain”), from arbiter (“witness, on-looker, listener, judge, overseer”)
From Wiktionary
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Middle English arbitrarie from Latin arbitrārius from arbiter arbitr- arbiter arbiter
From American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language, 5th Edition
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