Definition Definition

Arbitrary - Meaning and Examples

Meaning of 'Arbitrary' (Webster Dictionary)

1 . Arbitrary [ a.]
- Depending on will or discretion; not governed by any fixed rules; as, an arbitrary decision; an arbitrary punishment.
- Exercised according to one's own will or caprice, and therefore conveying a notion of a tendency to abuse the possession of power.
- Despotic; absolute in power; bound by no law; harsh and unforbearing; tyrannical; as, an arbitrary prince or government.

Meaning of 'Arbitrary' (Princeton's WordNet)

1 . arbitrary [ a]
Meaning (1):
- based on or subject to individual discretion or preference or sometimes impulse or caprice
Example in sentence:
  • an arbitrary choice;
  • an arbitrary decision;
  • an arbitrary penalty;
  • arbitrary division of the group into halves;
  • of arbitrary size and shape;
  • the arbitrary rule of a dictator