Arbitrary?

Arbitrary means based on random choice or personal whim, rather than any reason or system. It can also refer to something that is determined by individual preference or convenience rather than by necessity or principle.

Definition:

Arbitrary is something that is:

- Based on personal preference or whim rather than reason, logic, or established rules.
- Not based on any objective or external standard.
- Subject to change at any time without any justification.

Synonyms:

- Capricious
- Whimsical
- Random
- Unpredictable
- Unsystematic

Antonyms:

- Rational
- Logical
- Objective
- Consistent
- Systematic

Usage:

- The teacher gave arbitrary grades to the students, which led to unfair results.
- The company's new policy is arbitrary and seems to have been made on a whim.
- The price tag on the item is arbitrary; the seller can change it anytime they want.
- It's arbitrary to decide who is "beautiful" or "ugly," as beauty is subjective.
- The government's tax code is arbitrary and full of complexities that are difficult to understand.

Examples:

- Choosing a wedding date based on a lucky number is arbitrary.
- Deciding to take a break from work because you "feel like it" is arbitrary.
- Setting a curfew for teenagers at 10 pm without any evidence to support it is arbitrary.
- Assigning different values to different card suits in a game of cards is arbitrary.
- Determining which plants are "weeds" and which are not is often arbitrary.