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