RANDOM


Meaning of RANDOM in English

I. ˈran-dəm noun

Etymology: Middle English, succession, surge, from Anglo-French randun, from Old French randir to run, of Germanic origin; akin to Old High German rinnan to run — more at run

Date: 1561

: a haphazard course

- at random

II. adjective

Date: 1632

1.

a. : lacking a definite plan, purpose, or pattern

b. : made, done, or chosen at random

read random passages from the book

2.

a. : relating to, having, or being elements or events with definite probability of occurrence

random processes

b. : being or relating to a set or to an element of a set each of whose elements has equal probability of occurrence

a random sample

also : characterized by procedures designed to obtain such sets or elements

random sampling

• ran·dom·ly adverb

• ran·dom·ness noun

Synonyms:

random , haphazard , casual mean determined by accident rather than design. random stresses lack of definite aim, fixed goal, or regular procedure

a random selection of books

haphazard applies to what is done without regard for regularity or fitness or ultimate consequence

a haphazard collection of rocks

casual suggests working or acting without deliberation, intention, or purpose

a casual collector

III. adverb

Date: 1618

: in a random manner

Merriam-Webster's Collegiate English vocabulary.      Энциклопедический словарь английского языка Merriam Webster.