arbiter
An arbiter is a person or authority who has the power to settle a dispute or decide what is right, acceptable, or fashionable. It can refer to a formal legal role or a metaphorical judge of cultural and social standards.
Examples
3 of 5In our house, my mother is the final arbiter of which movies we watch on Friday night.
In our house, my mother is the final decider of which movies we watch on Friday night.
The United Nations acted as an arbiter between the two warring nations to reach a peace treaty.
The United Nations acted as a mediator between the two warring nations to reach a peace treaty.
Don't ask him for fashion advice; he thinks he's the arbiter of cool but his style is ten years old.
Don't ask him for fashion advice; he thinks he's the judge of cool but his style is ten years old.
Word Family
Memory Tip
Think of the word 'Arbitrate' (to settle). An 'Arbiter' is the 'er' (the person) who does the settling.
Quick Quiz
The Supreme Court is considered the final ___ of the Constitution in the United States.
Correct!
The correct answer is: arbiter
Examples
In our house, my mother is the final arbiter of which movies we watch on Friday night.
everydayIn our house, my mother is the final decider of which movies we watch on Friday night.
The United Nations acted as an arbiter between the two warring nations to reach a peace treaty.
formalThe United Nations acted as a mediator between the two warring nations to reach a peace treaty.
Don't ask him for fashion advice; he thinks he's the arbiter of cool but his style is ten years old.
informalDon't ask him for fashion advice; he thinks he's the judge of cool but his style is ten years old.
The study explores how the church functioned as the sole arbiter of moral behavior during the Middle Ages.
academicThe study explores how the church functioned as the only decider of moral behavior during the Middle Ages.
The CEO remains the ultimate arbiter of all hiring decisions within the executive department.
businessThe CEO remains the ultimate decider of all hiring decisions within the executive department.
Word Family
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
arbiter of elegance
a person who defines high style
ultimate arbiter
the highest authority for a decision
final arbiter of truth
the person or thing that determines what is factual
Often Confused With
An arbitrator is specifically a professional appointed to settle a legal dispute, while an arbiter can be used for cultural or social authorities.
Usage Notes
Use 'arbiter' when describing someone with significant cultural influence or final decision-making power. It carries a more formal and elevated tone than 'judge' or 'decider'.
Common Mistakes
Learners often use 'arbiter' when they mean 'arbitrary'. Remember that 'arbiter' is the person (noun), whereas 'arbitrary' describes a decision made without logic (adjective).
Memory Tip
Think of the word 'Arbitrate' (to settle). An 'Arbiter' is the 'er' (the person) who does the settling.
Word Origin
From the Latin 'arbiter', meaning a witness, judge, or one who goes somewhere to see or hear a matter.
Grammar Patterns
Cultural Context
In high fashion and literature, certain critics or magazines like Vogue are often referred to as 'arbiters of taste'.
Quick Quiz
The Supreme Court is considered the final ___ of the Constitution in the United States.
Correct!
The correct answer is: arbiter
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