adv
arbitrarily
adv
1
In a way that is based on random choice or personal whim rather than any clear reason or system.
"The prizes were handed out arbitrarily, with no clear criteria."
"He arbitrarily decided that Fridays would be casual dress days."
How to Use Arbitrarily
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishDone randomly or on a whim, without a clear reason or rule behind it.
Common pairings
chosen arbitrarily
arbitrarily assigned
decide arbitrarily
Word Forms
more arbitrarily comparative, most arbitrarily superlative
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The prizes were handed out _____, with no clear criteria.
Etymology
From "arbitrary" plus the adverb-forming suffix "-ly".