The term arbitrary describes a course of action or a decision that is not based on reason or judgment but on personal will or discretion without regard to rules or standards .
What does it mean if something is arbitrary?
1 : made, chosen, or acting without thought of what is fair or right arbitrary decisions an arbitrary ruler. 2 : seeming to have been made or chosen by chance We were given an arbitrary list of books to choose from. Other Words from arbitrary. arbitrarily ˌär-bə-ˈtrer-ə-lē adverb.
What is an example of arbitrary?
Arbitrary is defined as something that is determined by judgment or whim and not for any specific reason or rule. An example of an arbitrary decision would be a decision to go to the beach , just because you feel like it. ... The diet imposes overall calorie limits, but daily menus are arbitrary.
Which laws are arbitrary?
An arbitrary law refers to law imposed by the mere will of the legislature . It is not founded in the nature of things. For example, the tariff law. The term arbitrary law is used in opposition to immutable law.
What is arbitrary conduct?
arbitrary conduct (i.e., “ wilful disregard of due process of law , an act which. shocks, or at least surprises, a sense of juridical propriety”).
How can I use arbitrary in a sentence?
- The committee had arbitrary rules. ...
- The assumption was arbitrary , based on no valid evidence. ...
- Authoritarian parents may not understand the reasons behind the rules they make or communicate these underlying reasons to their children, making their commands seem arbitrary to their children.
What are some arbitrary words?
- nadir. the lowest point of anything. ...
- nescience. ignorance (especially of orthodox beliefs) ...
- inane. devoid of intelligence. ...
- unfounded. without a basis in reason or fact. ...
- deter. try to prevent; show opposition to. ...
- oddity. eccentricity that is not easily explained. ...
- pivotal. being of crucial importance. ...
- galvanize.
What is the difference between random and arbitrary?
Arbitrary, according to answers.com, describes things that are “1. Determined by chance, whim, or impulse, and not by necessity, reason, or principle ” or “2. Based on or subject to individual judgment or preference.” Random, on the other hand, applies to things “1.
What is an arbitrary word in English?
adjective. subject to individual will or judgment without restriction ; contingent solely upon one's discretion: an arbitrary decision. decided by a judge or arbiter rather than by a law or statute.
How do you use the word arbitrary?
- In spite of the cold weather, we made an arbitrary trip to the beach.
- He made an arbitrary decision to take the car.
- Because the group could not come to a decision on lunch, Katherine made an arbitrary choice and ordered pizza.
Is everything in life arbitrary?
Because the universe and all of its constituents contain no higher goal for us to make subgoals from, all aspects of human life and experiences are completely arbitrary . ... Even if a person has a goal, they may choose to attempt to achieve it in ways that may be considered arbitrary.
Can a person be arbitrary?
arbitrary Add to list Share. ... Even though arbitrary comes from a word meaning “judge” (arbiter), that doesn't mean judges are always fair. Calling a decision-maker arbitrary is usually a negative thing, suggesting the person is making rules based on whim rather than justice.
What is arbitrary control?
Arbitrary control occurs when the controller is understood to be anybody in general , e.g. ... In such cases, control is said to be “arbitrary”.
What is an arbitrary government?
Arbitrary Government is where a people have men set over them, without their choice or allowance ; who have power to govern them, and judge their causes without a rule.
What are arbitrary signs?
Symbolic (arbitrary) signs: signs where the relation between signifier and signified is purely conventional and culturally specific , e.g., most words. Iconic signs: signs where the signifier resembles the signified, e.g., a picture.
What is arbitrary relationship?
The notion of the ‘arbitrary sign' suggests a relationship between signifier and signified where there is no apparent reason why a specific form should signify a specific meaning.
