Definition of arbitrary

reciprocate Definition: (verb) to make a return for something. Petersons.com

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< arbitrament

arbitrate >

ar·bi·trar·y    (ärb-trr) KEY  

ADJECTIVE:

1. Determined by chance, whim, or impulse, and not by necessity, reason, or principle: stopped at the first motel we passed, an arbitrary choice.
2. Based on or subject to individual judgment or preference: The diet imposes overall calorie limits, but daily menus are arbitrary.
3. Established by a court or judge rather than by a specific law or statute: an arbitrary penalty.
4. Not limited by law; despotic: the arbitrary rule of a dictator.

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ETYMOLOGY:
Middle English arbitrarie, from Latin arbitrrius, from arbiter , arbitr-, arbiter ; see arbiter

OTHER FORMS:
arbi·trari·ly   (-trâr-l) KEY  (Adverb), arbi·trari·ness (Noun)

SYNONYMS:
arbitrary , capricious , whimsical

These adjectives mean determined by or arising from whim or caprice rather than judgment or reason: an arbitrary decision; a capricious refusal; a whimsical remark.

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