arbitrary
US /ˈɑːr.bə.trer.i/
UK /ˈɑːr.bə.trer.i/
1.
willekeurig, arbitrair
based on random choice or personal whim, rather than any reason or system
:
•
The committee made an arbitrary decision without consulting anyone.
De commissie nam een willekeurige beslissing zonder iemand te raadplegen.
•
His choice of colors seemed completely arbitrary.
Zijn kleurkeuze leek volkomen willekeurig.
2.
willekeurig, despotisch
(of power or a ruling body) unrestrained and autocratic in the use of authority
:
•
The dictator's rule was arbitrary and oppressive.
De heerschappij van de dictator was willekeurig en onderdrukkend.
•
Citizens feared the arbitrary arrests by the secret police.
Burgers vreesden de willekeurige arrestaties door de geheime politie.