The difference between Arbitrary and Capricious
When used as adjectives, arbitrary means based on individual discretion or judgment, whereas capricious means impulsive and unpredictable.
Arbitrary is also noun with the meaning: anything arbitrary, such as an arithmetical value or a fee.
check bellow for the other definitions of Arbitrary and Capricious
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Arbitrary as an adjective (usually, of a decision):
Based on individual discretion or judgment; not based on any objective distinction, perhaps even made at random.
Examples:
"Benjamin Franklin's designation of "positive" and "negative" to different charges was arbitrary."
"The decision to use 18 years as the legal age of adulthood was arbitrary, as both age 17 and 19 were reasonable alternatives."
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Arbitrary as an adjective:
Determined by impulse rather than reason; heavy-handed.
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Arbitrary as an adjective (mathematics):
Any, out of all that are possible.
Examples:
"The equation is true for an arbitrary value of x."
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Arbitrary as an adjective:
Determined by independent arbiter.
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Arbitrary as an adjective (linguistics):
Not representative or symbolic; not iconic.
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Arbitrary as a noun:
Anything arbitrary, such as an arithmetical value or a fee.
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Capricious as an adjective:
Impulsive and unpredictable; determined by chance, impulse, or whim
Examples:
"I almost died in a capricious winter storm."
"Stringent rulers are unlikely to act capriciously."
"The Mayor claimed that the action was reasonable, but in reality the action was arbitrary and capricious in nature."