arbitraries
|ar-bi-tra-ries|
🇺🇸
/ˈɑːr.bə.trer.i/
🇬🇧
/ˈɑː.bɪ.trə.ri/
(arbitrary)
random choice
Etymology
'arbitrary' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'arbitrarius', where 'arbiter' meant 'judge' or 'one who considers'.
'arbitrary' changed from Medieval Latin 'arbitrarius' and Old French forms into Middle English and eventually became the modern English word 'arbitrary'.
Initially related to judgment or being a judge ('one who considers'); over time it shifted to mean 'based on one's will or discretion' and 'not fixed by rule', the current primary senses.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
plural form of 'arbitrary' used as a noun: things or decisions made without reason, system, or principle.
Many of the office policies felt like mere arbitraries rather than well‑considered rules.
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Noun 2
in mathematics or logic, unspecified elements chosen freely for the purpose of argument or example (i.e., arbitrary elements).
Let x and y be arbitraries from the set S, and consider their sum.
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Noun 3
arbitrary acts or decisions seen as oppressive, capricious, or lacking legitimate authority.
The protesters denounced the arbitraries of the regime in their speeches.
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Last updated: 2025/10/02 18:20