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arbitrary

Pronunciation: /ˈɑːbɪt(rə)ri/

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Definition of arbitrary

adjective

1based on random choice or personal whim, rather than any reason or system:an arbitrary decision

2(of power or a ruling body) unrestrained and autocratic in the use of authority:a country under arbitrary government

3 Mathematics (of a constant or other quantity) of unspecified value.

Derivatives

arbitrarily
arbitrariness

Origin:

late Middle English (in the sense 'dependent on one's will or pleasure, discretionary'): from Latin arbitrarius, from arbiter 'judge, supreme ruler', perhaps influenced by French arbitraire

arbitrary in other Oxford dictionaries

Definition of arbitrary in the US English dictionary

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Other

arbitrary

adjective

Derivatives

arbitrarily

arbitrariness

Origin:

arbitrary in other Oxford dictionaries

Nearby words

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