English Explanatory Dictionary

arbitrary

English dictionary entry

Meanings

adj
  1. Based on individual discretion or judgment; not based on any objective distinction, perhaps even made at random.
  2. Determined by impulse rather than reason; often connoting heavy-handedness.
  3. Any, out of all that are possible.
  4. Determined by independent arbiter.
  5. Not representative or symbolic; not iconic.
noun
  1. Anything arbitrary, such as an arithmetical value or a fee.

Pronunciation

/ˈɑː.bɪ.tɹə.ɹi/ /ˈɑː.bɪ.tɹi/ /ˈɑɹ.bɪˌtɹɛ(ə).ɹi/ en-us-arbitrary.ogg en-au-arbitrary.ogg

Word forms

arbitrary more arbitrary most arbitrary arbitraries

Etymology

Etymology tree Latin arbiter Proto-Indo-European *-yósder. Proto-Italic *-āsjos Latin -ārius Latin arbitrāriusder. Middle English arbitrarie English arbitrary From Middle English arbitrarie, Latin arbitrārius (“arbitrary, uncertain”), from arbiter (“witness, on-looker, listener, judge, overseer”).

Related words

arbit arbiter arbitrable arbitrage arbitrary and capricious arbitrary law arbitrate arbitration arbitrator

Derived words

arbitrarily arbitrariness arbitrarity arbitrary-precision arithmetic arbitrary unit nonarbitrary unarbitrary cultural arbitrary
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