arbitrary

恣意的な、根拠のない

はっきりした理由や納得できる根拠なしに選んだり行ったりすること。

やさしい英語で： 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.

類義語： random, unjustified

反対語： reasoned

よく使う表現： arbitrary decision, arbitrary limit, arbitrary rules

恣意的な、主観的な

共通の規則や客観的な基準ではなく、個人の好みで決められること。

やさしい英語で： 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.

類義語： subjective, discretionary

反対語： objective

よく使う表現： arbitrary choice, arbitrary designation, arbitrary distinction

横暴な、専横的な

理由も他人への配慮もなく、気まぐれに権力を振るうこと。

やさしい英語で： 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.

類義語： capricious, despotic

よく使う表現： arbitrary ruler, arbitrary power, arbitrary punishment