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JadziaDax · 12-09-2003, 02:30 AM

The Word of the Day for December 9 is:

arbitrary • \AR-buh-trair-ee\ • (adjective) 1. depending on individual discretion (as of a judge) and not fixed by law; 2. not restrained or limited in the exercise of power; ruling by absolute authority; 3. based on or determined by individual preference or convenience or by chance

A little more information about today’s word:
"Arbitrary" is derived from the same source as "arbiter." The Latin word "arbiter" means "judge," and so it's no surprise that English adopted it, via Anglo-French, with the meaning "one who judges a dispute" (although it can now also be used for anyone whose judgment is respected). "Arbitrary" traces back to the Latin adjective "arbitrarius" ("done by way of legal arbitration"), which itself comes from "arbiter." The English "arbitrary" first meant "depending upon choice or discretion," and was specifically used to indicate the sort of decision (as for punishment) left up to the expert determination of a judge rather than defined by law. Today, it can also be used for anything determined by or as if by a personal choice or whim.

My sentence (using definition #3):
The decision of where to go for dinner ended up being completely arbitrary.

Based on Merriam-Webster's Collegiate® Dictionary, 10th Edition.

Next sentence?

12-09-2003, 02:30 AM	#1 (permalink)
JadziaDax Loser Location: who the fuck cares?	Word of the day December 9 The Word of the Day for December 9 is: arbitrary • \AR-buh-trair-ee\ • (adjective) 1. depending on individual discretion (as of a judge) and not fixed by law; 2. not restrained or limited in the exercise of power; ruling by absolute authority; 3. based on or determined by individual preference or convenience or by chance A little more information about today’s word: "Arbitrary" is derived from the same source as "arbiter." The Latin word "arbiter" means "judge," and so it's no surprise that English adopted it, via Anglo-French, with the meaning "one who judges a dispute" (although it can now also be used for anyone whose judgment is respected). "Arbitrary" traces back to the Latin adjective "arbitrarius" ("done by way of legal arbitration"), which itself comes from "arbiter." The English "arbitrary" first meant "depending upon choice or discretion," and was specifically used to indicate the sort of decision (as for punishment) left up to the expert determination of a judge rather than defined by law. Today, it can also be used for anything determined by or as if by a personal choice or whim. My sentence (using definition #3): The decision of where to go for dinner ended up being completely arbitrary. Based on Merriam-Webster's Collegiate® Dictionary, 10th Edition. Next sentence?