arbitrarily
|ar/bi/trar/i/ly|
C1
🇺🇸
/ˈɑːrbɪˌtrɛrɪli/
🇬🇧
/ˈɑːbɪtrərɪli/
(arbitrary)
random choice
Etymology
Etymology Information
'arbitrarily' originates from the Latin word 'arbitrarius,' where 'arbitr-' meant 'judge or witness.'
Historical Evolution
'arbitrarius' transformed into the Old French word 'arbitraire,' and eventually became the modern English word 'arbitrary.'
Meaning Changes
Initially, it meant 'dependent on the will or judgment of another,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'based on random choice or personal whim.'
Meanings by Part of Speech
Adverb 1
in a manner based on random choice or personal whim, rather than any reason or system.
The rules were applied arbitrarily, causing confusion among the participants.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Last updated: 2025/01/11 11:35