arbitrary

Where does the word "arbitrary" come from? It comes from Latin arbitrarius, passing through French before entering English (1400s).

Arbitrary’s story begins in Latin: arbitrarius meant “depending on a judge's will.” From 'arbiter', judge. By 1400s, the word had taken hold in French as arbitraire. Used of decisions left to a judge's discretion. It reached English by 1400s as arbitrary. The sense 'random, unreasoned' dates from the 1600s. Today, arbitrary means based on random choice.

1. Stage 1 · Latin · ancient arbitrarius "depending on a judge's will", from 'arbiter', judge.
2. Stage 2 · French · 1400s arbitraire "arbitrary", used of decisions left to a judge's discretion.
3. Stage 3 · English · 1400s arbitrary "discretionary", the sense 'random, unreasoned' dates from the 1600s.