Spanish Conversation · Level 188
15 words
Spanish word
arbitrario
Pronunciation
IPA/aɾβiˈtɾaɾjo/
Meaning
- adjectivearbitrary
Example
La decisión fue arbitraria y no la explicaron.
The decision was arbitrary and no one explained it.
More examples
El despido fue arbitrario.
The dismissal was arbitrary.
Core concept
A rule followed because someone said so.
Common phrases
decisión arbitraria
arbitrary decision
acto arbitrario
arbitrary act
castigo arbitrario
arbitrary punishment
Similar words
subjetivo: Reflects an individual's feelings or opinions instead of impartial facts.
caprichoso: Makes choices based on sudden whims or fancy, changing without pattern.
infundado: Is held or asserted without supporting proof or reason.
impulsivo: Responds to the moment's feelings, acting without prior planning.
Definition in Spanish
Que surge de un juicio o preferencia personal y carece de fundamento objetivo o de justificación razonada.
Word origin
Derived from Latin arbiter 'judge' via medieval Romance, the word came to label acts made by personal will or caprice instead of grounded reason.
Usage tips
- English 'arbitrary' maps closely, but in Spanish it often carries a stronger sense of unfairness or caprice rather than mere randomness.