Arbitrary
When a rule feels like someone rolled dice and called it policy, you are not being dramatic, you are naming a pattern people recognize from school and work.
Learn This WordMeaning
Based on random choice or personal whim, rather than any reason or system; unrestrained in the exercise of power.
Memory trick
Think "ARBI-TRARY" = "ARBITER (judge) on a TRAY", a judge randomly picking from a tray without reason. Arbitrary = random choice.
Examples
The deadline seemed arbitrary, with no clear reasoning behind it.
His arbitrary decisions frustrated the team.
The rules appeared arbitrary and inconsistent.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Etymology
From Latin arbitrarius "uncertain, depending on the will of an arbiter," from arbiter "judge, supreme ruler."
Usage Notes
Often used to criticize decisions or rules that lack clear reasoning or appear unfair.
Real-life contexts
Question decisions: "That rule seems arbitrary."
Describe randomness: "The choice was arbitrary."
Critique systems: "The grading system feels arbitrary."
Common Mistakes
Arbitrary doesn't mean wrong, it means lacking a clear reason or system. Something can be arbitrary but still work.
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Part of Speech
adjective
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Related Words
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Given to sudden and unaccountable changes of mood or behavior; unpredictable.
Aberrant
Departing from the normal or expected course; deviating from what is typical.
Pragmatic
Dealing with things sensibly and realistically in a way that is based on practical rather than theoretical considerations.