arbitrary

The word "arbitrary" means not planned for a particular reason, lacking reason or evidence, or disregarding fairness. Arbitrary actions or decisions appear random and are not based on a transparent process. An example is assigning an arbitrary number to each participant without a specific rationale. Historically, "arbitrary" related to a judge's discretionary decisions, as it stems from the Latin "arbiter" meaning judge. Kingship becoming tyranny through arbitrary rule, based on will not law, threatens the kingdom. Initially, arbitrary decisions depended on choice or discretion, especially in legal contexts. Nowadays, it encompasses anything determined by chance or whim. Its etymology connects to the role of a judge, highlighting decisions made based on expert determination. The word's evolution reflects a shift from legal judgment to a broader sense of randomness or lack of justification.