Random
/ˈrændəm/
Definitions
2 meaningsLacking a definite pattern, purpose, or method; chosen or occurring by chance.
/ˈrændəm/
Happening or done without any plan or pattern; chosen or occurring without a conscious decision.
They made a random stop at a roadside diner.
💡 Simply: When something happens just by chance, like picking a name out of a hat without looking. It's like a surprise!
👶 For kids: Happening by chance, not planned.
More Examples
The program selects items at random from a larger dataset.
The investigation was triggered by a random act of vandalism.
How It's Used
"A random selection of names was chosen from the list."
"A random variable assigns a numerical value to the outcome of a random phenomenon."
"A random number generator is used for simulations."
A collection of items chosen without any order or method.
/ˈrændəm/
A series of random items or things; a sample.
They took a random of books to test their popularity.
💡 Simply: A selection of things chosen by chance, like if you pick a few toys out of a bin without choosing any specific ones.
👶 For kids: A group of things chosen without a plan.
More Examples
The survey used a random from the local residents.
Can you grab a random out of those boxes to get started?
How It's Used
"The researchers selected a random from the population."
"We'll pick a random and see where we go."
Synonyms & Antonyms
Idioms & expressions
at random
Without any definite plan, aim, or pattern.
"The police searched the houses at random."
From Old French *randon* ('violent speed, impetuosity'), ultimately from *randir* ('to gallop'). The sense of 'haphazard' developed later.
The term 'random' has been used in English since the 16th century, initially to refer to violence or impetuosity before evolving to its modern sense of chance.
Memory tip
Think of a dart thrown at a board - where it lands is random.
Word Origin
"violent speed; impetuosity"