Used primarily in linguistics and semiotics to describe the lack of a natural connection between a sign and its meaning. Also appears in philosophy and law.
Saussure emphasized the arbitrariness of linguistic signs.
The arbitrariness of this rule is being questioned.
恣意的 is the adjectival form meaning 'arbitrary', used to describe actions or decisions. 恣意性 is the noun form referring to the concept or property of arbitrariness.
From 恣意 (arbitrary will) + 性 (-ness). 恣意 is composed of 恣 (selfish, arbitrary) and 意 (mind, meaning).