# arbitrary

> English word · Adjective · IPA /ˈɑː.bɪ.tɹə.ɹi/ · frequency rank #8,890

## Definitions
1. Based on individual discretion or judgment; not based on any objective distinction, perhaps even made at random.
2. Determined by impulse rather than reason; often connoting heavy-handedness.
3. Any, out of all that are possible.
4. Determined by independent arbiter.
5. Not representative or symbolic; not iconic.

## Etymology
Etymology tree
Latin arbiter
Proto-Indo-European *-yósder.
Proto-Italic *-āsios
Latin -ārius
Latin arbitrāriusder.
Middle English arbitrarie
English arbitrary
From Middle English arbitrarie, Latin arbitrārius (“arbitrary, uncertain”), from arbiter (“witness, on-looker, listener, judge, overseer”).

## Easily confused with
- **arbitrage** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/arbitrage-vs-arbitrary)
- **arbitrarily** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/arbitrarily-vs-arbitrary)

## Common misspellings (14)
`abritrary`, `arbbitrary`, `arbirtary`, `arbitarry`, `arbitrarry`, `arbitraryy`, `arbitrayr`, `arbitrrary`, `arbitrray`, `arbittrary`, `arbtirary`, `aribtrary`, `arrbitrary`, `rabitrary`

## Source
Compiled from Wiktionary via kaikki.org (CC BY-SA). Data vintage: 2026-05-06.
Canonical page: https://plainspell.com/en/word/arbitrary