The spelling of the phrase "being arbitrary" follows the English language's phonetic rules. In IPA phonetic transcription, it would be pronounced /ˈbiːɪŋ/ /ˈɑːbɪt(r)əri/. The first part, "being," has a long E sound and a nasal N at the end. The second part, "arbitrary," begins with an A sound, followed by an R sound that can be pronounced or silent, marked with parentheses in the transcription. The spelling of "being arbitrary" reflects the various vowel sounds and consonant combinations used in English pronunciation.
Being arbitrary refers to an action, decision, or process that is based on one's personal preference or judgement alone, without any logical or objective reasoning or justification. It implies a lack of rational or fixed principles guiding the choice or determination, resulting in an outcome that appears random, capricious, or unreasonable.
When someone is described as being arbitrary, it means they have a tendency to make choices or take actions without considering the facts, evidence, or established principles relevant to the situation. Instead, they rely solely on their own subjective opinions, biases, or whims. This can lead to decisions that lack coherence or consistency and may seem unfair or unjust to others involved.
Being arbitrary often implies a disregard for objective standards or norms that have been established to ensure fairness, equity, or consistency, such as principles of law, ethics, or established rules and regulations. It suggests a preference for personal preferences, desires, or subjective judgments over well-defined guidelines or standards that are intended to apply uniformly to all.
In various contexts, being arbitrary can have negative connotations, as it may signify a lack of reasonableness, fairness, or impartiality. It undermines trust and can result in confusion, frustration, or resentment among those affected by the arbitrary decisions or actions. Conversely, adhering to consistent and objective guidelines helps foster a sense of reliability, trustworthiness, and predictability in decision-making processes.
The word "arbitrary" comes from the Latin word "arbitrarius", which means "depending on the whims of an arbiter" or "based on the judgment of an arbiter". The Latin term "arbitrarius" is derived from the noun "arbiter", meaning "judge" or "witness". Over time, the term "arbitrary" evolved to refer to something that is based on personal preference, random choice, or lacking a specific reason or justification. Thus, "being arbitrary" implies acting without reason or selecting something without logic or objective criteria.