arbitrary response

[/ˈɑːrbɪtreri rɪˈspɑːns/]
nounpl: arbitrary responses
resposta arbitrária
1. A reply or reaction that is based on random choice or personal whim rather than reason, system, or principle
The teacher's arbitrary response to the student's question confused everyone in the class.
A resposta arbitrária do professor à pergunta do aluno confundiu todos na turma.
2. An answer given without logical basis, consistency with previous decisions, or justified reasoning
The company's arbitrary response to the complaint left customers frustrated.
A resposta arbitrária da empresa à reclamação deixou os clientes frustrados.
This term is commonly used in educational, legal, and business contexts in both Brazil and the USA to criticize decisions or responses that lack transparency, consistency, or logical reasoning. In Brazilian legal contexts, 'resposta arbitrária' can imply potential unfairness or lack of due process. The concept is important in discussions about administrative procedures and workplace fairness.
NYC Slang
off-the-wall response; random response
Synonyms / Sinônimos
capricious responserandom responsewhimsical responseinconsistent responseunfounded response
Antonyms / Antônimos
reasoned responsejustified responselogical responseconsistent responseprincipled response

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
resposta arbitrária
Standard usage in formal and informal contexts
Rio de Janeiro
resposta ao acaso
Alternative colloquial expression emphasizing randomness
São Paulo
resposta sem fundamento
Alternative emphasizing lack of basis or reasoning
Portugal
resposta arbitrária
Same as Brazilian Portuguese; also 'resposta imotivada'

Related Words

arbitrary decisionarbitrary actionarbitrary rulearbitrarinessarbitrarily

Related Idioms & Phrases

out of left field
pulled from thin air
without rhyme or reason
hit or miss answer
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