arbitrary
Say it: AR-bih-truh-ree /ˈɑrbɪtrɛri/ · adjective
What “arbitrary” means
Chosen without a clear reason or fair rule.
More precisely: Based on random choice or personal whim rather than reason.
Example: “The deadline felt arbitrary until the manager explained the client's launch date.”
When to use it
When a choice or rule seems based on someone's whim, often with a mildly critical tone in everyday conversation.
Similar words
random, capricious, unreasoned
Where it comes from
From Latin arbiter, "judge."
Quick check
A teacher gives identical drawings different marks simply by picking coloured counters from a bag. The marking is…
arbitrary or consistent?
Show the answer
arbitrary
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