Definición de «arbitrary» en inglés

adjective

1. (usually of a decision) Based on individual discretion or judgment; not based on any objective distinction, perhaps even made at random.

   • Benjamin Franklin's designation of "positive" and "negative" to different charges was arbitrary.
   • The decision to use 18 years as the legal age of adulthood was arbitrary, as both age 17 and 19 were reasonable alternatives.

2. Determined by impulse rather than reason; often connoting heavy-handedness.

3. (mathematics) Any, out of all that are possible.

   • The equation is true for an arbitrary value of x.

4. Determined by independent arbiter.

5. (linguistics) Not representative or symbolic; not iconic.

noun

1. Anything arbitrary, such as an arithmetical value or a fee.