arbitrary
word
Definition
Done without a clear reason, rule, or system; often based on personal choice rather than logic or fairness.
Usage & Nuances
"Arbitrary" is formal, often critical, and describes decisions or rules that seem random, unfair, or not based on reason. Common in legal, technical, or academic contexts. Not used for positive or neutral choices.
Spanish: arbitrario - caprichosoPortuguese (BR): arbitrário - aleatórioPortuguese (PT): arbitráro - aleatórioChinese (Simplified): 任意的 - 武断的Chinese (Traditional): 任意的 - 武斷的Hindi: मनमानाArabic: عشوائي - اعتباطيBengali: ইচ্ছামতো - খেয়ালখুশিমতোRussian: произвольный - случайный (без причины)Japanese: 恣意的 - 任意のVietnamese: tùy tiện - bất kỳKorean: 자의적인 - 임의의Turkish: keyfi - rastgele (nedensiz)Urdu: من مانی - صوابدیدیIndonesian: sewenang-wenang - arbitrer
Example Sentences
He picked an arbitrary number just to fill out the form.
natural
There are arbitrary rules that nobody understands.
basic
The teacher made an arbitrary decision about the seating arrangement.
basic
Her choice of color seemed arbitrary.
basic
Don't follow arbitrary instructions—ask for a clear explanation.
natural
It feels arbitrary that only some people get extra benefits.
natural