Arbiter
/id/Source Language: The language or dialect this term originates from (ID).Definition & Context
AdjectiveAdjective
A word or phrase naming an attribute, added to or grammatically related to a noun to modify or describe it.
An action performed in an “arbitrary” or self-serving manner without regard for established rules or procedures.
Synonyms & Variants
asal-asalan
Doing something without proper planning or careful consideration.
otoriter
Attitudes or actions that are coercive and undemocratic.
sewenang-wenang
The most commonly used equivalent in Indonesian.
suka-suka
Doing something based solely on personal desire without rules.
tangan besi
A government or action that is very harsh and oppressive.
subjektif
Emphasizes the aspect of non-objective judgment.
Usage Notes or Etymology
The term is derived from the Latin word arbiter which means witness or mediator. In the context of formal Indonesian, the term has undergone a semantic shift from merely denoting a mediator to describing behavior that is subjective or lacking objectivity. The use of this word is frequently found in legal, administrative, or management discussions to criticize policies perceived as non-transparent or in violation of justice principles.
Real-world Usage
Keputusan yang diambil pimpinan sangat arbiter dan merugikan banyak karyawan.
English Translation
Representative of real-world usage and contextual accuracy.