Arbitrary vs. Capricious — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman & Maham Liaqat — Updated on May 1, 2024
Arbitrary decisions are based on personal discretion without a fixed standard, whereas capricious decisions change unpredictably, often based on whim.
Difference Between Arbitrary and Capricious
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Arbitrary actions are characterized by a lack of clear rationale or an adherence to personal preference rather than objective standards. While capricious, on the other hand, refers to changes in opinion or behavior that are unpredictable and influenced by sudden whims or fancies.
Arbitrary decisions are often seen in settings where rules can be interpreted flexibly, providing room for individual judgement. Whereas capricious behavior typically involves erratic shifts that may appear groundless or fickle to others.
In legal contexts, arbitrary refers to a decision made without consideration of the evidence or without following proper procedures. On the other hand, a capricious ruling would be one that deviates wildly from expected legal standards without justification.
In leadership, an arbitrary leader might make decisions without consulting others, relying solely on their discretion. Whereas a capricious leader might change policies or directives frequently, creating a sense of instability or unpredictability.
In everyday usage, arbitrary can imply a decision made randomly, like picking a number arbitrarily. On the other hand, capricious could describe someone's mood swings that are unpredictable and change frequently.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
Based on random choice or personal whim, without reason
Given to sudden and unaccountable changes of mood or behavior
Predictability
Unpredictable due to lack of standards
Unpredictable due to frequent changes
Usage in Decision-Making
Often used in context where decisions lack a clear rationale
Used to describe decisions that change erratically
Connotation
Often negative, suggesting unfairness
Usually negative, implying instability
Example Context
Judicial decisions, leadership styles
Mood changes, leadership styles
Compare with Definitions
Arbitrary
Based on random choice or personal whim, rather than any reason or system.
The choice of which applicants to interview seemed arbitrary.
Capricious
(of a person) prone to sudden illogical changes of mind, ideas, or actions.
Her capricious nature often led to abrupt changes in plans.
Arbitrary
Unrestrained and autocratic in the use of authority.
The committee's arbitrary power to allocate funds was criticized.
Capricious
Given to sudden and unaccountable changes of mood or behavior.
His capricious temperament made him a difficult colleague.
Arbitrary
Lacking a definite plan, purpose, or pattern.
The arbitrary arrangement of books did not help finding specific titles easier.
Capricious
Changing according to no discernible rules; unpredictable.
A capricious climate can make farming challenging.
Arbitrary
Capable of deciding or judging according to one's own understanding or discretion.
The manager made an arbitrary decision to change the meeting schedule.
Capricious
Exhibiting or indicating caprice; whimsical; fanciful.
The artist's work was known for its capricious style and unpredictable themes.
Arbitrary
Not based on a legal standard or rules; determined by chance, whim, or impulse.
The judge's decision was criticized as arbitrary.
Capricious
Arising from or characterized by caprice; impulsive.
The decision to close the project was capricious and led to confusion.
Arbitrary
Based on random choice or personal whim, rather than any reason or system
An arbitrary decision
Capricious
Characterized by, arising from, or subject to caprice; impulsive or unpredictable
Capricious decisions.
Capricious weather.
Arbitrary
(of power or a ruling body) unrestrained and autocratic in the use of authority
A country under arbitrary government
Capricious
Impulsive and unpredictable; determined by chance, impulse, or whim.
I almost died in a capricious winter storm.
Stringent rulers are unlikely to act capriciously.
Arbitrary
(of a constant or other quantity) of unspecified value.
Capricious
Governed or characterized by caprice; apt to change suddenly; freakish; whimsical; changeable.
A capricious partiality to the Romish practices.
Arbitrary
Determined by chance, whim, or impulse, and not by necessity, reason, or principle
Stopped at the first motel we passed, an arbitrary choice.
Capricious
Changeable;
A capricious summer breeze
Freakish weather
Arbitrary
Based on or subject to individual judgment or preference
The diet imposes overall calorie limits, but daily menus are arbitrary.
Capricious
Determined by chance or impulse or whim rather than by necessity or reason;
A capricious refusal
Authoritarian rulers are frequently capricious
The victim of whimsical persecutions
Arbitrary
(Law) Relating to a decision made by a court or legislature that lacks a grounding in law or fact
An arbitrary penalty.
Arbitrary
Not limited by law; despotic
The arbitrary rule of a dictator.
Arbitrary
Determined by impulse rather than reason; heavy-handed.
Arbitrary
(mathematics) Any, out of all that are possible.
The equation is true for an arbitrary value of x.
Arbitrary
Determined by independent arbiter.
Arbitrary
(linguistics) Not representative or symbolic; not iconic.
Arbitrary
Anything arbitrary, such as an arithmetical value or a fee.
Arbitrary
Depending on will or discretion; not governed by any fixed rules; as, an arbitrary decision; an arbitrary punishment.
It was wholly arbitrary in them to do so.
Rank pretends to fix the value of every one, and is the most arbitrary of all things.
Arbitrary
Exercised according to one's own will or caprice, and therefore conveying a notion of a tendency to abuse the possession of power.
Arbitrary power is most easily established on the ruins of liberty abused licentiousness.
Arbitrary
Despotic; absolute in power; bound by no law; harsh and unforbearing; tyrannical; as, an arbitrary prince or government.
Arbitrary
Based on or subject to individual discretion or preference or sometimes impulse or caprice;
An arbitrary decision
The arbitrary rule of a dictator
An arbitrary penalty
Of arbitrary size and shape
An arbitrary choice
Arbitrary division of the group into halves
Common Curiosities
Can a law be arbitrary?
Yes, a law can be considered arbitrary if it appears to be based on whim rather than a rational basis, potentially leading to unfair outcomes.
What is the impact of arbitrary decisions in the workplace?
Arbitrary decisions can lead to a lack of trust and perceived unfairness among employees, impacting morale and productivity.
How does capricious behavior differ from arbitrary action?
Capricious behavior involves unpredictable changes and whims, whereas arbitrary actions are based on individual discretion without consistent reasoning.
How do courts view arbitrary and capricious standards?
Courts often review government actions to ensure they are not arbitrary or capricious, meaning decisions must have a rational basis and follow legal standards.
How can one manage a capricious supervisor?
Managing a capricious supervisor involves staying adaptable, anticipating changes, and maintaining clear communication to navigate their unpredictable decisions.
What are examples of capricious behavior in everyday life?
Examples include sudden decisions to cancel plans, erratic changes in opinions about people or projects, and impulsive reactions to minor issues.
Can a person be both arbitrary and capricious?
Yes, a person can exhibit both characteristics, making decisions both on a whim and without a rational basis.
What role does consistency play in preventing arbitrary and capricious actions?
Consistency is crucial as it ensures decisions are made based on established rules and standards, which helps prevent arbitrary and capricious actions.
What does it mean if a decision is described as arbitrary?
An arbitrary decision is one made based on individual discretion or preference rather than any consistent rule or standard.
What strategies can be used to reduce arbitrary decision-making in a team?
Implementing clear guidelines, involving team members in decision-making, and ensuring transparency can help reduce arbitrary decisions.
Is capricious behavior considered unprofessional?
Yes, being capricious can be seen as unprofessional because it involves erratic changes that can affect stability and predictability in a professional setting.
Is it common for policies to change in a capricious manner?
While not ideal, policies can sometimes change capriciously, particularly in environments with poor management or oversight.
How can one legally challenge an arbitrary or capricious decision?
Legal challenges can involve proving that the decision had no rational basis or that it violated procedural norms, often through judicial review.
Are arbitrary decisions always negative?
While often viewed negatively due to a lack of fairness, arbitrary decisions can sometimes be necessary in situations requiring quick, decisive action.
How do arbitrariness and capriciousness affect leadership effectiveness?
Both traits can undermine a leader’s effectiveness by causing uncertainty and distrust among team members or followers.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Maham Liaqat
