adj · academic
arbitrary
UK/ɑːˈrɪbtrəri/US/ˈɑːrbəˌtrɛri/ar·BI·tra·ry
based on random choice or personal whim rather than any reason or system
Examples
“The sample was selected on an arbitrary basis, which may bias the results.”
“You can’t just set the deadline arbitrarily; there must be a clear rationale.”
“In many studies, researchers avoid arbitrary classifications to ensure objectivity.”
Band 8 sentence
“The committee’s arbitrary redistribution of funds undermined its credibility among stakeholders.”
Collocations
- arbitrary decision
- arbitrary choice
- arbitrary basis
Word family
Common mistakes
use 'arbitrary' like 'random' for informal speech→use 'arbitrary' mainly in formal/academic contexts
translate word-by-word as 'tùy ý' in every context→consider phrases like 'tuỳ tiện' hoặc 'mang tính tuỳ ý' tuỳ sắc thái
Say it for a higher band
5random→6haphazard→7+arbitrary
Synonyms
random
capricious
Easily confused
random
“The participants were assigned to groups at random.”
capricious
“A capricious manager can demoralize a team.”
Related words
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In Sublist 5
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