Arbitrary or Arbitrary – Which is Correct?
Alright, let’s dive right into this fascinating topic! Today, we are going to unravel the mystery surrounding the correct usage of “arbitrary” and “abritrary.” These two words look so similar that it’s easy to get confused. But fear not! As your trusty English language and grammar expert, I am here to shed some light on the matter.
First things first, the correct spelling of this word is “arbitrary.” Yes, you heard that right. No need to worry about the extra “i” in “abritrary,” because it simply doesn’t exist. This is a classic case of a common misspelling that has somehow made its way into our vocabulary. So, my dear reader, whenever you find yourself tempted to use “abritrary,” just remember that it’s “arbitrary” and save your precious keystrokes.
Now, let’s move on to the definition and usage of “arbitrary.” When we say something is “arbitrary,” we mean that it lacks a clear reason or justification. It is based on personal whim or random choice. Allow me to illustrate this with a couple of examples. Imagine you are planning a road trip with your friends, and one of them suggests stopping at an arbitrary location along the way. This means they want to stop at a place without any particular significance or purpose. It’s just a spontaneous decision, without any concrete rationale behind it.
Another example could be a teacher who assigns grades arbitrarily. This means that the grades are given without any logical basis or fair assessment. In such a situation, the teacher’s decisions might seem random, subjective, and lacking any objective criteria.
So, to summarize, “arbitrary” is the correct spelling, and it refers to something that is based on personal whim or random choice, lacking a clear reason or justification. But what about “abritrary”? Is it just a figment of some careless typist’s imagination? Not quite.
“Abritrary” may not be a recognized word in the English language, but it could be seen as an accidental blending of “arbitrary” and “aberrant.” While the correct word to use is “arbitrary,” “aberrant” could also be relevant in certain contexts.
“Aberrant” means deviating from the normal or expected course, showing abnormal behavior or characteristics. Think of it as something that strays away from the established norms or patterns. For instance, a person who consistently makes decisions that are far from conventional would be considered aberrant. This word carries a slightly different meaning from “arbitrary,” focusing more on the deviation from the norm rather than the lack of justification.
In conclusion, my fellow language enthusiasts, while “abritrary” might not be a legitimate word, “arbitrary” and “aberrant” both have their rightful place in our vocabulary. Remember to use “arbitrary” when you want to describe something without a clear reason or justification, and turn to “aberrant” if you wish to highlight something deviant or abnormal. Keep your grammar game strong, and never settle for arbitrary mistakes!