arbitrary
Meaning: Based on random choice or personal whim rather than any reason or system; unrestrained and autocratic in the use of authority.
Arbitrary has two main senses: decisions or rules that seem unreasoned or random (an arbitrary deadline), and the exercise of power without accountability (arbitrary detention). In mathematics, it means 'any' or 'unspecified' (an arbitrary number). It collocates with 'decision,' 'rule,' 'power,' 'distinction,' and 'nature.' The word typically carries a negative tone in general usage.
Examples
- The distinction between the two categories seemed entirely arbitrary to the students. 学生们觉得两个类别之间的区分完全是武断的。A los estudiantes, la distinción entre las dos categorías les parecía completamente arbitraria.二つのカテゴリーの区別は、学生たちにはまったく恣意的に思えました。두 범주 간의 구분은 학생들에게 완전히 자의적으로 보였습니다.
- Critics accused the regime of arbitrary arrests and detention without trial. 批评者指责该政权进行任意逮捕和未经审判的拘留。Los críticos acusaron al régimen de detenciones arbitrarias y encarcelamientos sin juicio.批評家たちは、その政権による恣意的な逮捕と裁判なしの拘束を非難しました。비평가들은 그 정권의 자의적인 체포와 재판 없는 구금을 비난했습니다.
- Setting an arbitrary deadline of Friday gave the team no real basis for planning. 随意设定周五为截止日期,使团队没有真正的规划依据。Fijar un plazo arbitrario para el viernes no proporcionaba al equipo una base real para la planificación.金曜日という根拠のない期限を設定したことで、チームには計画の実質的な基盤がありませんでした。금요일이라는 근거 없는 기한을 설정한 탓에 팀에게는 계획의 실질적 토대가 없었습니다.
Pronunciation
Usage Guide
Context: general, academic, legal
Tone: neutral
Origin & History
From Latin arbitrarius (depending on the will), from arbiter (judge, umpire). Entered English in the late 15th century via Old French arbitraire, initially meaning 'dependent on one's judgement.'
Cultural Context
Era: Modern
Generation: All ages
Social background: Universal
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