It’s common to come across an exciting word when reading some texts, and the first thing that comes to your mind is to look up the word’s meaning. This is what happens when you come across the word “arbitrary.” The best way to learn about “arbitrary” when you first come across it is to look for detailed arbitrary definition, meaning, and use in sentences.
Simply put, “arbitrary” means “not planned or chosen for a particular reason.” The word gets wide application when you are basing something on chance. It also means “when not planned or based on no reason.” That moment when something or a decision comes up without any reasoning.
Each time you come across such a word, take the time to read and understand it. Find out about the spelling and pronunciation, and for a better understanding, also learn its etymology and practice using it in sentences. By doing this, the chances of forgetting or making a mistake when using the word are less. Let’s learn all that here.
What Is the Definition of Arbitrary?
The word “arbitrary” is defined as “done without the concern of what is fair or right.” Use the word when someone does things that are unreasonable or unfair.
It also shows “something restrained or limited to excess power.” It can also mean ruling with absolute authority. “Arbitrary” also means “marked by or resulting from the unrestrained and often tyrannical exercise of power.” In such a case, the word arbitrary gets wide application when someone exercises power cruelly and arbitrarily. You will notice the word where there is tyranny, oppression, or control.
Example sentences:
- The chief of staff is accused of being arbitrary, but his ideas are great, and they have helped grow the business.
- The song the band sang was against arbitrary or repressive power.
- Everyone walked out of the meeting dues to the arbitrary rules that the committee was making.
In the examples above, you can use “arbitrary” when someone abuses their power or uses their power in a way that oppresses others. The people who are “arbitrary” are in power and acting unfairly. At the same time, arbitrary can positively indicate those showcasing aggressiveness. For instance, in the first example, the chief of staff must be happy because the business is booming, but happiness is not reflected on the workers.
What Is The Meaning Of Arbitrary?
The meaning of “arbitrary” is “decided by a judge or arbiter instead of the law or statute.” That’s why people use the word when a judge or arbiter decides the outcome or ruling without using the law or the statute.
The government sets the law and legislation to ensure that its citizens are protected. If someone breaks the law, there is a procedure and a set punishment. But there are random situations when a judge does not follow the law, though this doesn’t apply worldwide. In such instances, they listen to the case and decide the lawbreaker’s punishment. This is known as an “arbitrary” decision.
Most often, it doesn’t have to be a judge, but anybody presiding a case and in charge of making a decision. It can either be a parent, a teacher, company senior management, and so on. You’ll notice that in our example sentences.
Example sentences:
- The judge made an arbitrary decision to have the man stoned to death.
- Though the rule made by the school was arbitrary, students still got punished for breaking it.
- The governor reprimanded the judge when he started to make arbitrary rulings.
How Is Arbitrary Used In Mathematics?
Did you know that “arbitrary” appears in mathematics? In the math context, the word means “undetermined” or “not assigned to a specific value.” The word “arbitrary” is also used in proofs since it represents any number, but it does not have an actual value, and this can apply in more than one situation.
Example:
- The statement x+x =2 is not valid for the arbitrary value of x
Is Arbitrary A Negative Word?
The word “arbitrary” can be a negative word depending on how you use it in a statement. First, note that calling someone, especially a decision-maker, “arbitrary” is, in most cases, a negative thing, suggesting that the decision-maker uses whim instead of justice to make decisions.
The word “arbitrary” can also have a negative meaning if used to mean division. “Arbitrary division” The phrase means “absolute” “not limited by law.” The phrase is used when two groups of people divide due to different standards or having different statuses in life.
Arbitrary Family Words
- Arbitrarily (adverb): The word “arbitrarily” means “based on random choice” or “not relying on the system.”
Example sentences:
- Each citizen has the right not to be arbitrarily arrested.
- Arbitrariness (noun): The word “arbitrariness” means the quality of being based on random choices.” Or “relying on personal whim.”
Example sentences:
- The nurses complained about the arbitrariness of the government in closing down the mobile clinics.
- Arbitrator (noun): The word “arbitrator” means an independent person appointed to settle disputes.”
Example sentences:
- The family dispute had gone on for too long, and everyone wondered why they hired an arbitrator.
How to Use Arbitrary In a Sentence
Are you wondering how to use the word “arbitrary” in a sentence? The best way to learn how to use a new word in a sentence is by learning the word meaning, synonyms, and example sentences.
Now that you’ve known the arbitrary definition and meaning, let’s have a look at the synonyms. Synonyms are words that have the same meaning. In some cases, you can even interchange them in a sentence. Learning the synonyms of the word “arbitrary” will help you better understand using the word in sentences. Here is a list of synonyms of “arbitrary.”
- Whimsical
- Erratic
- Unpredictable
- Casual
- Inconsistent
- Dictatorial
- Capricious
- Haphazardly
- Oppressive
- Authoritarian
10 Examples of Arbitrary In a Sentence
Reading various sentences with “arbitrary” is one of the best ways to learn the word’s usage efficiently. Read on our list of ten example sentences with the word arbitrary to know when to use this vocabulary when reading and writing.
- Fortunately, the marking scheme is not arbitrary.
- Since he was stalking her even after the divorce, the police made several arbitrary arrests.
- Simon made an arbitrary decision to sail across the ocean.
- Everyone in the office was hungry, so Leon made an arbitrary decision to order Chinese food.
- They made an arbitrary decision to elope.
- The math assignment was difficult since no one knew that the answer was arbitrary.
- The driver’s assumption was arbitrary since it was not evidence-based.
- Teaching children is not easy since their attention can be arbitrary, especially if they do not find the lesson enjoyable.
- Did you know that the numbering of years is an arbitrary culture?
- The business relationship that they had was arbitrary.
How Do You Spell Arbitrary?
The spelling of the word is “a-r-b-i-t-r-a-r-y.”
A common mistake people make when spelling the word “arbitrary” is that they always miss out on the letter “r.” Be careful when spelling out this word so that you do not make such a mistake.
People have difficulty spelling words that seem to have many specific letters. For instance, in the word “arbitrary,” there are three-letter “r” s. Thus, it can be confusing for someone not familiar with this word.
How Do You Pronounce Arbitrary?
The word “arbitrary” best pronunciation is “aa·buh·truh·ree.”
However, when pronouncing or speaking out the word, ensure that your diction is sharp so that people can understand what you are saying. Most people who pronounce the word don’t sound the second “r” fully.
How Many Syllables Are Arbitrary?
The word “arbitrary” has four syllables, divided as “ar-bi-trar-y.”
Synonyms Of The Word “Arbitrary”
- Informally
- Accidentally
- Carelessly
- Casually
Antonyms Of The Word “Arbitrary”
- Meticulously
- Formally
- Methodically
- Orderly
History and Etymology of Arbitrary?
The historical source of the word “arbitrary” is “arbiter,” which means “someone with the power to settle disputes” or “judge.”
Understanding the history and etymology of a word is essential as it will help you better understand the word and ways to use it. For example, some English words that start with the prefix “arbitr” like “arbitrary,” “arbitration,” or “arbitrage” have the same root, which is Latin.
Before the word’s introduction to the English vocabulary, the Anglo-French first used it to mean “the one who judges.” Then it was introduced to the English language, and it took numerous forms.
When Was Arbitrary First Used?
The word “arbitrary” first usage dates back to the 15th century.
Conclusion
Make learning a new word fun and easy by trying out words like “arbitrary” and practicing it as much as possible. That way, you will know how best to use the word. Whether you are looking for words to improve your vocabulary, learn a new language, or improve your writing and speaking skills, learning arbitrary definitions has numerous benefits.
English is a beautiful language that is fun to speak and easy to learn. All it requires is discipline and dedication, and within no time, you will be an expert in the language. Happy learning!
Shawn Manaher is the founder and CEO of The Content Authority. He’s one part content manager, one part writing ninja organizer, and two parts leader of top content creators. You don’t even want to know what he calls pancakes.