Definitions
- Describing a decision or action that is based on personal preference or whim. - Referring to something that lacks a specific reason or justification. - Talking about a choice or selection made without following a particular pattern or rule.
- Referring to something that occurs without a specific pattern or order. - Describing a selection or choice made by chance or without any particular reason. - Talking about an event or outcome that is unpredictable or unexpected.
List of Similarities
- 1Both words describe something that lacks a specific pattern or order.
- 2Both words can be used to describe choices or selections made without a particular reason.
- 3Both words can be used to describe events or outcomes that are unpredictable.
What is the difference?
- 1Reasoning: Arbitrary implies a decision or action based on personal preference or whim, while random suggests a lack of specific reason or order.
- 2Pattern: Arbitrary does not necessarily involve randomness, while random specifically refers to something occurring without a pattern or order.
- 3Choice: Arbitrary implies a deliberate decision made without following a particular rule or pattern, while random suggests a choice made by chance or without any specific reason.
- 4Connotation: Arbitrary can sometimes have a negative connotation, implying unfairness or lack of thought, while random is more neutral and simply describes something without a specific pattern or order.
- 5Usage: Arbitrary is often used in the context of decision-making or actions, while random can be used in a wider range of contexts, including statistics, probability, and everyday situations.
Remember this!
Arbitrary and random are synonyms that both describe something lacking a specific pattern or order. However, there are differences in their usage and connotations. Arbitrary implies a decision or action based on personal preference or whim, while random suggests a lack of specific reason or order. Additionally, arbitrary can have a negative connotation, while random is more neutral. Arbitrary is often used in the context of decision-making, while random has a broader range of applications.
