arbitrary
/ˈɑːrbɪtrɛri/
adjective
Origin
Latin
arbitrarius — uncertain, dependent on the will of another
Overview
Meaning Now
- Based on random choice or personal whim rather than any reason or system.
- Unrestrained and autocratic in the use of authority or power.
Literal older meaning
decided by a judge or arbiter
Language path
Latin → Old French → English
Earliest form
arbitrarius
Earliest period
14th century
Journey
The term originates from the Latin 'arbiter', meaning someone present as a witness or judge. Over time, it transitioned from a legal term describing a judge's discretion to a general term for actions taken without clear external rules or constraints.
Evolution
- Latin
arbiter
“witness, judge”
Original sense was one who goes to a place to see or judge.
- Late Latin
arbitrarius
“depending on the will of an arbiter”
Semantic shift from the judge to the nature of the judgment.
- Middle English
arbitrarie
“subject to personal decision”
Borrowed into English in the late 14th century.
Connections
Word parts
arbitr-
root
witness or judge
-ary
suffix
pertaining to
Related across languages
French
arbitraire
arbitrary
Spanish
arbitrario
arbitrary
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Related to arbitrary
External references use DefinedTerm semantics.