Randomly
/ˈrændəmli/
Definitions
2 meaningsWithout a definite plan, aim, or pattern; haphazardly.
/ˈrændəmli/
In a way that lacks any pattern or method; unsystematically.
The questions were selected randomly.
💡 Simply: Imagine you're picking names out of a hat to choose a volunteer. That's like picking randomly – everyone has an equal chance!
👶 For kids: Doing things without a plan, like when you close your eyes and pick a toy!
More Examples
The students were assigned seats randomly.
We chose the winner randomly from all the entries.
How It's Used
"The computer selected the winner randomly."
"Atoms move randomly in a gas."
"The experiment assigned participants randomly to two groups."
Occurring or done without a specific reason or without any guiding principle or purpose; by chance.
/ˈrændəmli/
Without a reason or purpose.
The argument started randomly.
💡 Simply: Things that happen randomly don't make much sense, it's just one thing happening after another, for no good reason.
👶 For kids: When things happen for no good reason, it's like randomly!
More Examples
The machine generated the sequence of numbers randomly.
A bird flew past randomly as I looked up.
How It's Used
"The weather changed randomly from sunshine to rain."
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
From Middle English "random," derived from Old French "randon" meaning "vehemence, impetuosity," ultimately from a Germanic source and related to "run." The suffix "-ly" indicates an adverb.
The concept of 'randomness' has existed for centuries, with early uses relating to chance and uncertainty. Statistical analysis has formalized the understanding and application of randomness in the modern era.
Memory tip
Think of a dart thrown at a board – its landing is often random.
Word Origin
"vehemence, impetuosity"