arbitrary
/ˈɑɹ.bɪ.tɹɛ(ə).ɹi/
Group 7Difficulty 1/3
Definition
- (adjective)
- Based on random choice or personal whim rather than reason or system GRE
Example in Context
The court struck down the regulation as arbitrary, finding no rational basis for the distinctions it drew between different categories of applicants.
Synonyms
randomunreasonablewhimsical
Etymology
Decisions made based on personal whim rather than logic.
- arbitrari (Latin) — to judge
Memory Aid
🎲Sounds like “are a bit tricky”
Choosing your favorite ice cream flavor is ARBITRARY — you ARE A BIT TRICKY when you finally pick PISTACHIO!
Visual Association
🎡A spinning wheel of flavors in a chaotic ice cream shop, with flavors randomly chosen.
Semantic Clusters
Synonym Groups
Frequently Asked Questions
What does “arbitrary” mean on the GRE?
arbitrary (adjective) means “Based on random choice or personal whim rather than reason or system”. The court struck down the regulation as arbitrary, finding no rational basis for the distinctions it drew between different categories of applicants.
How to remember “arbitrary” for the GRE?
Mnemonic: “arbitrary” sounds like “are a bit tricky”. Choosing your favorite ice cream flavor is ARBITRARY — you ARE A BIT TRICKY when you finally pick PISTACHIO!
What are synonyms for “arbitrary”?
Common synonyms: random, unreasonable, whimsical.