Meaning of arbitrary in English | Powered by Free Dictionary API

noun

• Anything arbitrary, such as an arithmetical value or a fee.

adjective

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

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

• Determined by impulse rather than reason; heavy-handed.

• Any, out of all that are possible.

  Example: The equation is true for an arbitrary value of x.

• Determined by independent arbiter.

• Not representative or symbolic; not iconic.