The spelling of "were arbitrary" is determined by the rules of standard English orthography. The word "were" is spelled with the letters W-E-R-E, pronounced as /wɜːr/ in IPA, indicating the vowel sound in "her." The word "arbitrary" is spelled with the letters A-R-B-I-T-R-A-R-Y, pronounced as /ˈɑːbɪtri/ in IPA. The stress is on the second syllable, and the vowel sounds are the short "a" sound in "cat" and the schwa sound in "the." Together, these words mean something that was based on random choice or personal whim, without any reason or logic.
"Were arbitrary" refers to a state or condition where decisions, actions, or judgments are made in a manner that lacks any objective basis or rational reasoning. The term "were" indicates that this arbitrariness refers to past events or circumstances.
Arbitrariness is characterized by an absence of fair or consistent principles, standards, or rules guiding the decision-making process. When decisions or actions are arbitrary, they often rely on personal preference, whims, or impulse, rather than being grounded in logic, evidence, or established criteria. They are not based on sound reasoning, clear guidelines, or objective considerations of fairness and equality.
In the context of "were arbitrary," this suggests that in the past, a specific situation, action, or decision was made without any valid justification or logical basis. It implies that the choices or conclusions reached were random, capricious, or subjective, lacking discernible patterns or coherence.
The term "were arbitrary" is often used to highlight the negative aspects of decision-making processes that lack transparency, consistency, or accountability. It suggests that the choices made could lead to unfairness, favoritism, or the denial of rights and opportunities to individuals or groups. Identifying decisions or actions as being arbitrary can be important for fostering trust, ensuring fairness, and promoting a more just society.
The phrase "were arbitrary" does not have a specific etymology, as it is a combination of two separate words.
The word "were" is the past tense of the verb "be", which comes from Old English "wǣron". This word traces back to Proto-Germanic "wēzun", ultimately derived from the Indo-European root "*es-", meaning "to be".
The word "arbitrary" is an adjective that originated from the Latin word "arbitrarius", which means "depending on one's discretion or judgment". It is derived from "arbiter", meaning "judge" or "supreme ruler".
When combined, the phrase "were arbitrary" means that something was subject to or based on someone's judgment or discretion in the past.