Meaning
will, discretion; free will (in libero arbitrio)
- will, discretion; free will (libero arbitrio)
- arbitrariness, abuse of power
In a sentence
Non puoi cambiare le regole a tuo arbitrio.
You can't change the rules at your own will.
Hai scelto tu, di tuo arbitrio?
Did you choose on your own will?
Il giudice ha deciso a suo insindacabile arbitrio.
The judge decided at his own unquestionable discretion.
Word forms (2)
| Word | Word forms |
|---|---|
| arbitrio | masculine · singular |
| arbitri | masculine · plural |
Usage notes
- Usually formal or literary. In everyday speech, Italians more often use volontà, scelta, or capriccio depending on context.
- Common in the fixed phrase a proprio arbitrio, meaning 'at one's own discretion' or 'as one pleases.'
- Often appears after prepositions: di arbitrio, ad arbitrio, a suo arbitrio. It is less common as a standalone everyday noun.