arbitrary
IPA: ˈɑrbʌtrɛri
noun
- Anything arbitrary, such as an arithmetical value or a fee.
adjective
- (usually of a decision) Based on individual discretion or judgment; not based on any objective distinction, perhaps even made at random.
- Determined by impulse rather than reason; heavy-handed.
- (mathematics) Any, out of all that are possible.
- Determined by independent arbiter.
- (linguistics) Not representative or symbolic; not iconic.
Advertisement
Examples of "arbitrary" in Sentences
- Laborious in the extreme but less arbitrary.
- The selection of the picture seems arbitrary.
- The alphabet is not arbitrary in the slightest.
- The definition of the word is pretty arbitrary.
- The choice of the name in America was arbitrary.
- The question is the arbitrary nature of division.
- The relationship is nebulous and arbitrary at best.
- The decision was unjust and capricious and arbitrary.
- Arbitrary restriction on the substitution of the elements of a collocation.
Advertisement
Advertisement