Learning how to express the meaning of “arbitrary” clearly and effectively is essential for effective communication. Whether you need to use the term in a formal or informal setting, this comprehensive guide will provide you with various tips and examples. In this guide, we’ll explore different ways to say “arbitrary” while maintaining a warm and friendly tone throughout.
Table of Contents
Formal Ways to Say Arbitrary
If you’re looking for more formal ways to convey the concept of “arbitrary,” consider the following alternatives:
- Subjective: Describing something as subjective implies that it is based on personal opinions or perspectives rather than objective facts. For example, “The decision was made based on subjective criteria.”
- Capricious: Capricious suggests that something is unpredictable or prone to sudden changes. It brings to mind the idea of whimsical or inconsistent behavior. For instance, “The new policy seems capricious, as it constantly fluctuates.”
- Unsubstantiated: When something is considered unsubstantiated, it means there is insufficient evidence or justification for it. This term emphasizes the lack of factual support. For instance, “Her argument is entirely unsubstantiated and lacks any credible sources.”
- Whimsical: Describing something as whimsical implies that it is characterized by a playful or fanciful nature, lacking a rational or logical basis. For example, “The artwork displayed a whimsical and arbitrary design.”
- Random: Random suggests a lack of pattern or predictability, often indicating that something occurs without any specific reason or purpose. For instance, “The selection process seemed completely random and devoid of any rationale.”
Informal Ways to Say Arbitrary
In more informal contexts, you can use the following alternatives to express the idea of “arbitrary”:
- Picky: Picky often implies being excessively choosy or particular about something without considering a valid reason. For example, “She has a picky and arbitrary taste in music.”
- By chance: Using “by chance” indicates that something happened randomly or coincidentally without any intention or premeditation. For instance, “He found the perfect gift by chance, without any prior planning.”
- Just because: The phrase “just because” is commonly used to convey that something is done without a specific reason or justification. For example, “She rejected the proposal just because she could.”
- Off-the-cuff: Describing something as off-the-cuff suggests that it was done or said without prior thought or planning, often resulting in an arbitrary outcome. For instance, “His off-the-cuff remark seemed arbitrary and out of place.”
- On a whim: On a whim indicates that a decision or action is based on a sudden desire or impulse, rather than careful consideration. For example, “They booked a spontaneous vacation on a whim, making arbitrary decisions along the way.”
TIP: While these informal alternatives convey the meaning of “arbitrary,” it’s important to use them in appropriate contexts to maintain effective communication.
Examples of “Arbitrary” in Context
Here are a few examples demonstrating the use of “arbitrary” along with some of its alternative expressions:
Formal:
The judge’s ruling appeared arbitrary, lacking any clear legal basis.
The selection process for the scholarship seemed completely capricious, leaving many deserving candidates disappointed.
Her argument was subjective and failed to consider the objective evidence provided.
Informal:
We couldn’t decide where to go for dinner because everyone was being picky.
He just chose the gift by chance without putting much thought into it.
She rejected the invitation just because she didn’t feel like attending.
Remember, using these expressions will help you effectively communicate the concept of “arbitrary” while adding variety and nuance to your language.
Conclusion
In conclusion, mastering different ways to express “arbitrary” in both formal and informal contexts is crucial for effective communication. By familiarizing yourself with the alternatives provided in this guide, you can easily adapt your language depending on the situation and maintain a warm and friendly tone throughout your conversations.
TIP: While incorporating different expressions is valuable, remember to always choose the most appropriate synonym for “arbitrary” based on the specific context and tone of your communication.
