random

Pronunciation: /ˈrændəm/

adjective

Difficulty: common

Definition of random

random (adjective): Made, done, or occurring without a specific plan, pattern, or conscious decision; lacking a definite purpose or organization.

Example: The professor's random selection of students ensured that there was no bias in the group assignments.

Best for: common-difficulty vocabulary; learners who already know "arbitrary" or "haphazard"; GRE Verbal (Text Completion, Sentence Equivalence); SAT Reading & Writing (Words in Context).

Origin of random

Language of origin: Old French

Root word: randir

Original meaning: to run or gallop

How it evolved: Initially used to describe rapid, impetuous movement, the term later came to signify actions or outcomes that were unplanned or without clear direction.

The word 'random' originated in Middle English and was derived from Old French, originally meaning 'speed' or 'impetuosity,' before evolving to its modern sense of lacking order or purpose.

First known use: 14th century

How to Remember random

Picture a roulette wheel spinning and stopping at a random number. Just as the wheel lacks predictability, so too does the word 'random' convey the idea of something happening without order or intention.

Synonyms for random

Antonyms of random

random in a Sentence

  1. The professor's random selection of students ensured that there was no bias in the group assignments.
  2. The data seemed random at first glance, but a deeper analysis revealed underlying patterns.
  3. Her decision to travel to an unfamiliar country was impulsive and entirely random, driven by a sense of adventure.

random in Literature & Culture

The word 'random' is frequently used in modern pop culture, particularly in casual conversations or memes, to describe something unexpected, peculiar, or out of place.

Usage Notes

While 'random' often carries a neutral or informal tone, it can sometimes imply carelessness or lack of thought in more formal contexts. Avoid using it when describing deliberate or systematic actions.

Why random Matters for GRE & SAT

The GRE often tests 'random' in the context of logical reasoning and analysis, particularly when distinguishing between planned or systematic actions and those that are arbitrary or chance-based.

Word Family

randomly (adverb)
In a way that lacks a plan, purpose, or pattern.
randomness (noun)
The quality or state of lacking a predictable pattern or plan.
randomize (verb)
To arrange or select in a way that lacks systematic order or predictability.

Did You Know?

  • The mathematical study of randomness is fundamental to probability theory, which underpins many concepts in statistics and decision-making.
  • In computer science, 'random number generators' are often not truly random but are instead pseudorandom, relying on algorithms to simulate unpredictability.
  • The phrase 'at random' has been in use since at least the 16th century, often in literary contexts to describe haphazard or aimless actions.

More Vocabulary Words Starting with R

  • Recalcitrant — Having an obstinately uncooperative attitude; stubbornly resistant to authority.
  • radical — far-reaching; major
  • radical — Relating to or affecting the fundamental nature of something
  • radical — far-reaching; major
  • radical — Relating to or affecting the fundamental nature of something
  • ramification — A consequence of an action or event, especially a complex one
  • ramification — a consequence or resulting action of a previous event
  • ramification — a consequence or resulting action of a previous event
  • rampant — Spreading unchecked; flourishing in an unwelcome way
  • rampant — Spreading unchecked; flourishing in an unwelcome way

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