WordGarden.iorandom
B1Pronunciation
UK
- /rˈændəm/
US
- /ˈrændəm/
Meanings
Adjective
happening, chosen, or arranged by chance rather than by a plan or pattern
strange, unexpected, or oddly disconnected from what is going on
just any; not known, important, or personally connected, especially of a person
More meaningsFewer meanings
governed by probability or produced without predictable order, especially in statistics or computing
Beyond the definition
Imagine throwing dice: the number you get is not planned. That's the core of what "random" means: something that happens by chance, without a clear pattern or reason. A truly random event cannot be predicted with certainty. You might pick a name from a hat, or end up sitting next to a stranger on a plane because the seats were assigned by chance. Sometimes the word also describes things that seem mixed up or without order, like a pile of toys scattered across the floor.
The word "random" describes something that happens without deliberate intention, a predictable pattern, or a clear cause. It suggests chance and unpredictability. Think about shuffling a deck of cards: each card could end up in many different positions, and you do not know in advance where a particular card will go.
"Random" can be used as an adjective to describe events ("a random encounter"), selections ("a random sample"), or even behavior ("his actions seemed completely random"). It's often contrasted with "systematic" or "intentional." For example, a scientist might use random sampling techniques to ensure their research isn't biased.
In modern usage, especially in computing and statistics, "random" also has more specific meanings. Computers often use algorithms to produce unpredictable-looking sequences. These are called pseudo-random number generators, and they are used for things like simulations, games, and cryptography. Even so, the everyday meaning stays the same: something happening by chance, without a clear reason or plan.
So whether it's a lucky lottery win, a surprising coincidence, or simply a messy collection of things, the idea is the same: it happens without intention or an obvious pattern.
Examples
- 1
Classroom selection
The teacher picked three students at random to answer the question.
- Phraseat random
without choosing particular ones
- 2
Seat assignment
We got random seat numbers, so I ended up by the window.
- 3
Unknown person
A random guy at the bus stop asked me what time it was.
- Patternrandom + person
someone you do not know and do not think is important
- 4
Sudden question
Sorry for the random question, but have you seen my keys?
- Phraserandom question
a sudden question that seems unrelated
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Unplanned place
We found a random little cafe and decided to go in.
- 6
Shuffle order
The app shows the songs in a random order every time.
- 7
Strange situation
"Why is there a shopping cart in the garden?" "I have no idea. That's so random."
- Phrasethat's so random
that's strange or unexpectedly unrelated
See also
Similar
Shades of meaning
Contrast
Do not confuse
Used with (collocations)
- random sample
- random number
- at random
- random act
Word family
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Forms and spellings
1 form open this card.
Main spelling
- randomadjective