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arbitrary

adjective

/ˈɑːbɪt(rə)ri/

IPA:

Dictionary definition of arbitrary

Based on personal opinion or individual discretion, rather than any specific rule or principle.
"The teacher was criticized for her arbitrary grading system."

Detailed meaning of arbitrary

It refers to something that is not based on reason, evidence or facts, but rather on the whim or caprice of the person making the decision. It implies a lack of rationality or fairness, and a lack of consistency in decision-making. Something that is arbitrary is often seen as unpredictable, and can be difficult to anticipate or understand. In legal contexts, an arbitrary decision is one that is not made in accordance with the law or established procedures. In decision-making, an arbitrary decision is one that is not based on sound reasoning or evidence, but rather on personal preference or bias. In general, arbitrary refers to something that is based on personal preference or choice, rather than on any specific rule or principle, and it is often seen as random, or not guided by any rational criteria.

Example sentences containing arbitrary

1. He was criticized for his arbitrary decision-making.
2. She was known for her arbitrary rules in her class.
3. The company's policy was criticized for being arbitrary.
4. He was accused of making arbitrary cuts in the budget.
5. The group's selection process was criticized for being arbitrary.
6. He was accused of making arbitrary arrests.

History and etymology of arbitrary

The adjective 'arbitrary' has its roots in the Latin word 'arbitrarius,' which originally meant 'dependent on the judgment of an arbiter or judge.' It derives from 'arbiter,' meaning 'judge' or 'witness,' as mentioned earlier. Over time, the term evolved to encompass the idea of decisions made by personal judgment rather than adhering to established rules or principles. In English, 'arbitrary' describes something that is based on individual discretion or personal opinion rather than objective standards. This evolution in meaning reflects the notion that decisions perceived as arbitrary are often seen as subjective and not guided by clear, universally accepted criteria.

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Further usage examples of arbitrary

1. She was criticized for her arbitrary research methods.
2. The politician was criticized for his arbitrary policy changes.
3. He was criticized for his arbitrary art choices.
4. She was criticized for her arbitrary promotions.
5. The company's promotions were criticized for being arbitrary.
6. The arbitrary punishment was seen as unjust.
7. The arbitrary decision to cancel the event disappointed many attendees.
8. Her seemingly arbitrary choice of colors for the painting puzzled art critics.
9. The manager's sudden and arbitrary rule changes made work more challenging.
10. We couldn't fathom the arbitrary grading criteria used for the project.
11. His unexpected and arbitrary comments during the meeting derailed the discussion.
12. The teacher's seemingly arbitrary quiz questions caught us off guard.
13. The referee's controversial and arbitrary call led to heated arguments.
14. The judge's seemingly arbitrary ruling left both parties unsatisfied.
15. The arbitrary allocation of funds among departments raised concerns.
16. The CEO's sudden and arbitrary decision negatively impacted company morale.
17. Her seemingly arbitrary taste in music surprised her friends.
18. The arbitrary pricing of the product raised eyebrows among consumers.
19. The professor's arbitrary assignment deadlines created stress for students.
20. The mayor's arbitrary zoning changes sparked a fierce controversy.
21. The editor's arbitrary and extensive edits altered the article's entire tone.
22. The coach's seemingly arbitrary lineup changes confused the players.
23. The politician's arbitrary promises lacked credibility among voters.
24. The landlord's arbitrary and restrictive rules consistently annoyed tenants.
25. The designer's arbitrary font choice seemed out of place with the theme.
26. The referee's frequent and seemingly arbitrary penalties disrupted the game's flow.