Exploring the Meaning of ‘Arbitrary’
This video explores the meaning of the word ‘arbitrary’, which describes decisions or actions made without clear reasoning or a systematic approach. The video covers the word’s definition, history, synonyms, antonyms, and common usage examples, highlighting its importance for GRE preparation and academic contexts.
Imagine you’re at an ice cream shop, faced with dozens of flavors. Unable to decide, you close your eyes and point randomly.
That’s an arbitrary choice! Today, we’re exploring the word arbitrary, a term you’ll likely encounter on the GRE and in academic texts.
Word type: Arbitrary is an adjective.
Meaning: Arbitrary describes something based on random choice or personal whim rather than any reason or system.
It often implies a decision made without careful thought or clear principles.
Word history: Arbitrary comes from the Latin word arbitrarius, meaning depending on the will or judgment of an arbiter or judge.
Over time, its meaning shifted to describe decisions made without apparent reason or logic.
Synonyms: Some synonyms for arbitrary include random, capricious, whimsical, and subjective.
Antonyms: Antonyms of arbitrary are words like reasoned, logical, systematic, and objective. Examples used in sentences:
The government’s arbitrary decision to change the tax rate without warning caught many businesses off guard.
The professor’s grading seemed arbitrary, as there were no clear criteria for how points were awarded.
In some cultures, the division between colors like blue and green can seem arbitrary, as they don’t have distinct words for these hues.
Common errors in use: People sometimes confuse arbitrary with capricious. While both involve unpredictability, capricious specifically implies a sudden or unpredictable change, while arbitrary focuses more on the lack of reason or system behind a choice.
Understanding arbitrary is crucial for the GRE, as it often appears in reading comprehension passages and sentence completion questions.
It’s particularly common in discussions about decision-making processes, scientific methods, and social policies.
Remember, when you encounter arbitrary, think of choices or actions taken without clear reasoning or systematic approach.
This nuanced understanding will serve you well in both your GRE preparation and academic pursuits.
