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- Dictionaryar·bi·trar·y/ˈärbəˌtrerē/
adjective
- 1. based on random choice or personal whim, rather than any reason or system: "his mealtimes were entirely arbitrary" Similar Opposite
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The meaning of ARBITRARY is existing or coming about seemingly at random or by chance or as a capricious and unreasonable act of will. How to use arbitrary in a sentence. Did you know?
happening by chance with no cause or reason. random It was a random encounter between two long-lost friends. chance A chance meeting brought them back together. arbitrary It seems like the decision to cancel such a successful TV programme was completely arbitrary.
subject to individual will or judgment without restriction; contingent solely upon one's discretion: an arbitrary decision. decided by a judge or arbiter rather than by a law or statute. having unlimited power; uncontrolled or unrestricted by law; despotic; tyrannical: an arbitrary government.
arbitrary. /ˌɑrbəˈtrɛri/ /ˈɑbɪtrɛri/ IPA guide. Something that's arbitrary seems like it's chosen at random instead of following a consistent rule. Team members would dislike their coach using a totally arbitrary method to pick starting players.
ARBITRARY meaning: 1. based on chance rather than being planned or based on reason: 2. using unlimited personal power…. Learn more.
arbitrary. adjective. /ˈɑːbɪtrəri/, /ˈɑːbɪtri/ /ˈɑːrbɪtreri/ (of an action, a decision, a rule, etc.) not seeming to be based on a reason, system or plan and sometimes seeming unfair. The choice of players for the team seemed completely arbitrary. He makes unpredictable, arbitrary decisions. Oxford Collocations Dictionary.
If you describe an action, rule, or decision as arbitrary, you think that it is not based on any principle, plan, or system.
1. Determined by chance, whim, or impulse, and not by necessity, reason, or principle: stopped at the first motel we passed, an arbitrary choice. 2. Based on or subject to individual judgment or preference: The diet imposes overall calorie limits, but daily menus are arbitrary. 3.
ARBITRARY definition: not based on a system or principles and often seeming unfair: . Learn more.
adjective. /ˈɑrbəˌtrɛri/ (of an action, a decision, a rule, etc.) not seeming to be based on a reason, system, or plan and sometimes seeming unfair The choice of players for the team seemed completely arbitrary. He makes unpredictable, arbitrary decisions. Take your English to the next level.
