arbitrary

arbitraire

Choisi ou fait sans raison claire ou valable.

En anglais simple : Chosen or done without a clear or reasonable basis.

• The deadline seems arbitrary.
• They chose an arbitrary number of participants.
• The law protects people against arbitrary arrest.

Synonymes : random, unjustified

Contraires : reasoned

Expressions courantes : arbitrary decision, arbitrary limit, arbitrary rules

arbitraire, subjectif

Décidé selon une préférence personnelle, sans règle ni critère vérifiable par tous.

En anglais simple : Decided by personal choice rather than a rule or a difference that everyone can measure.

• The choice of names was arbitrary.
• We used arbitrary symbols for the two groups.
• Their arbitrary classification reflects personal preferences.

Synonymes : subjective, discretionary

Contraires : objective

Expressions courantes : arbitrary choice, arbitrary designation, arbitrary distinction

arbitraire, despotique

Qui exerce son pouvoir selon ses caprices, sans raison ni souci des autres.

En anglais simple : Using power according to sudden wishes, without reason or concern for other people.

• The people feared their arbitrary ruler.
• Her arbitrary punishments left the staff feeling helpless.
• He exercised arbitrary power over every village.

Synonymes : capricious, despotic

Expressions courantes : arbitrary ruler, arbitrary power, arbitrary punishment