random
I picked a random book from the shelf.
The choice was made without any specific plan or pattern.
made, done, or chosen without a definite plan or pattern
She chose a random song from the playlist.
The song was selected without any specific order or plan.
The survey included a random sample of the population.
Participants were selected without bias or a fixed pattern.
Used to describe actions or selections that lack predictability or systematic order.
a person or thing that is selected by chance
He’s a random I met at the party.
He’s someone I happened to meet by chance.
Common in informal speech to refer to an unfamiliar person.
Collocations
Related Phrases
Pro Tip
Avoid informal misuse
In formal writing, avoid using 'random' to mean 'strange' or 'odd.' Stick to its primary meaning of 'lacking a definite plan or pattern.'
Gold Rule
Use 'random' for unpredictability
Use 'random' when describing something chosen without a specific plan, pattern, or bias. Example: 'The teacher picked a random student to answer the question.'
Avoid overuse in formal contexts
In academic or professional writing, prefer 'arbitrary,' 'haphazard,' or 'unplanned' for precision. Example: 'The study used a random sample of participants.'
Word Origin
From Middle English 'random' meaning 'impetuosity, speed,' from Old French 'random' (modern 'rançon') meaning 'speed, haste, what happens quickly,' from a Germanic source related to 'run.' The modern sense of 'lacking a definite plan' emerged in the 17th century.
Usage Notes
Commonly used in both formal and informal contexts. In computing, 'random' refers to data generated unpredictably (e.g., 'random number generator'). Avoid using 'random' to mean 'strange' or 'odd' unless in very informal speech.