arbitrario

arbitrary

adjective ar-bee-TRAH-ryoh Rare

Origin: From Latin arbitrarius, from arbiter, 'judge, arbitrator'.

Also means

random

Usage Note

Arbitrario describes a decision or action based on personal whim rather than on reason or law, often with a negative connotation of unfairness. The noun is arbitrio (m) (free will, arbitrary power), and the phrase libero arbitrio means 'free will'. Do not confuse with arbitrale (relating to arbitration), which is neutral and legal.

Examples

"La decisione sembrava del tutto arbitraria."

Natural Translation

The decision seemed completely arbitrary.

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