Associations to the word «Arbitrary»

Wiktionary

ARBITRARY, adjective. (usually of a decision) Based on individual discretion or judgment; not based on any objective distinction, perhaps even made at random.
ARBITRARY, adjective. Determined by impulse rather than reason; heavy-handed.
ARBITRARY, adjective. (mathematics) Any and all possible.
ARBITRARY, adjective. Determined by independent arbiter.
ARBITRARY, noun. Anything arbitrary, such as an arithmetical value or a fee.

Dictionary definition

ARBITRARY, adjective. Based on or subject to individual discretion or preference or sometimes impulse or caprice; "an arbitrary decision"; "the arbitrary rule of a dictator"; "an arbitrary penalty"; "of arbitrary size and shape"; "an arbitrary choice"; "arbitrary division of the group into halves".

Wise words

Words are always getting conventionalized to some secondary meaning. It is one of the works of poetry to take the truants in custody and bring them back to their right senses.
William Butler Yeats