English Dictionary

arbitrary

/ˈɑː.bɪ.tɹə.ɹi/

adj

(usually of a decision) Based on individual discretion or judgment; not based on any objective distinction, perhaps even made at random. / Determined by impulse rather than reason; heavy-handed.

The decision was made based on arbitrary criteria.

意味（1）

(usually of a decision) Based on individual discretion or judgment; not based on any objective distinction, perhaps even made at random.

Benjamin Franklin's designation of positive and negative to different charges was arbitrary.

意味（2）

Determined by impulse rather than reason; heavy-handed.

The Russian trials were Stalin's purges, with which he attempted to consolidate his power. Like most people in the West, I believed these show trials to be the arbitrary acts of a cruel dictator.

意味（3）

(mathematics) Any, out of all that are possible.

The equation is true for an arbitrary value of x.

意味（4）

Determined by independent arbiter.

意味（5）

(linguistics) Not representative or symbolic; not iconic.