arbitrarily
arbitrarily Lexical Profile
arbitrarily Game Scores & Validity
• adverb
On the basis of random choice or personal whim, rather than any reason, rule, or system.
"The committee appeared to assign the project budgets arbitrarily rather than evaluating each department's actual needs."
In an unrestrained, autocratic, or tyrannical manner when exercising power or authority.
"The colonial governor ruled arbitrarily, ignoring the established legal traditions of the local courts."
To any desired or unspecified degree without restriction (used especially in mathematics, logic, and computer science).
"By adding more terms to the series, the approximation can be made arbitrarily close to the true value."
Word Nuance & Usage
In mathematics and computer science, "arbitrarily" is used neutrally to mean "without restriction" or "for any chosen value" (as in "arbitrarily large"), rather than implying unfairness or whim.
• Rhymes for arbitrarily
Word Origin & Etymology
Formed from the adjective "arbitrary" plus the adverbial suffix "-ly"; "arbitrary" derives from Latin "arbitrarius", from "arbiter" meaning "judge" or "supreme ruler."