arbitrarily

Everyday

Without a real reason or plan, by chance or by a choice that is not fair. tree →

In the lessons

In maths, you can choose a number arbitrarily (any number). In everyday talk, rules made arbitrarily seem unfair. Phrases: «chosen arbitrarily».

Examples

• He picked a card arbitrarily. tree →
• Choose a starting number arbitrarily. tree →
• The rules seemed to change arbitrarily. tree →
• The teams were split arbitrarily. tree →
• Prices were set arbitrarily. tree →
• Pick any point arbitrarily on the line. tree →

Note

Said «AR-bi-trer-i-lee» (UK «ar-bi-TRAIR-i-lee»). In maths, «arbitrary» means any one at all, with no special choice.