Arbitrary
/ˈɑːrbɪˌtrɛri/noun
Based on random choice or personal whim, rather than any reason or system.
Did you know?It comes from Latin *arbitrarius*, meaning “dependent on the judgment of an *arbiter*,” and that same root helped shape words about deciding, witnessing, and even legal authority.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*h₂er-
“to fit together, join; to be suitable”
Latin
Latin
arbitrārī
“to judge, consider, or decide”
Late Latin
Latin
arbitrārius
“depending on judgment; left to the decision of another”
Old French
Old French
arbitraire
“arbitrary; depending on a judge’s decision”
Middle English
English
arbitrarie
“determined by will or discretion rather than law”
Modern English
English
arbitrary
“based on random choice, personal whim, or discretion”