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arbitrary

Meaning in simple English, pronunciation and examples

Pronunciation: US /ˈɑrbətrɛri/ · UK /ˈɑːbɪtrəri/

arbitrary means: Chosen or done without a clear or reasonable basis.

adjective

WITHOUT REASONC1

Chosen or done without a clear or reasonable basis.

  • The deadline seems arbitrary.
  • They chose an arbitrary number of participants.
  • The law protects people against arbitrary arrest.

Similar words: random, unjustified

Opposites: reasoned

Common phrases: arbitrary decision, arbitrary limit, arbitrary rules

PERSONAL CHOICEC1

Decided by personal choice rather than a rule or a difference that everyone can measure.

  • The choice of names was arbitrary.
  • We used arbitrary symbols for the two groups.
  • Their arbitrary classification reflects personal preferences.

Similar words: subjective, discretionary

Opposites: objective

Common phrases: arbitrary choice, arbitrary designation, arbitrary distinction

UNREASONABLE POWERC2

Using power according to sudden wishes, without reason or concern for other people.

  • The people feared their arbitrary ruler.
  • Her arbitrary punishments left the staff feeling helpless.
  • He exercised arbitrary power over every village.

Similar words: capricious, despotic

Common phrases: arbitrary ruler, arbitrary power, arbitrary punishment

Questions about arbitrary

What does arbitrary mean?

Chosen or done without a clear or reasonable basis.

What is arbitrary in other languages?

Türkçe: keyfi · Español: arbitrario · Français: arbitraire · Deutsch: willkürlich · Italiano: arbitrario · 日本語: 恣意的な

How do you pronounce arbitrary?

In American English /ˈɑrbətrɛri/; in British English /ˈɑːbɪtrəri/.

How do you use arbitrary in a sentence?

The deadline seems arbitrary. They chose an arbitrary number of participants.

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arbitrary in other languages

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