random
C1Neutral to informal; technical in mathematics/computing contexts.
Definition
Meaning
Made, done, or chosen without method or conscious decision; lacking a definite plan, pattern, or purpose.
In computing and mathematics: governed by or involving equal chances for each item. In informal contexts: strange, unpredictable, or unusual, often without reason.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
The term's meaning has expanded significantly in colloquial use, especially among younger speakers, to describe something surprising, bizarre, or inexplicable ('That was so random!'). In technical fields, it retains a precise statistical definition.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The colloquial, non-technical meaning is slightly more prevalent in British English, particularly among younger demographics. The adjective-noun 'a random' (meaning an unknown or unfamiliar person) is more common in UK informal speech.
Connotations
In both varieties, the technical meaning is neutral. The informal connotation can be positive (amusingly unexpected), negative (pointless), or neutral (merely odd).
Frequency
Very high frequency in both varieties, especially in informal spoken contexts and technical writing.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
completely/totally/purely randomseemingly/apparently randomrandom + noun (sample, selection)verb + at random (choose, select, pick)Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “at random (without a specific pattern)”
- “random acts of kindness”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
'We conducted a random audit of the financial records.'
Academic
'Participants were assigned to conditions using a random number generator.'
Everyday
'I just met a random guy at the bus stop.'
Technical
'The algorithm relies on a pseudorandom seed value.'
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The system will randomise the list of participants.
American English
- The software can randomize the test order.
adverb
British English
- The numbers were generated randomly.
American English
- She was randomly selected for the prize drawing.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The teacher chose a student at random to answer the question.
- The computer uses a random number to start the game.
- I had a random conversation with someone on the train.
- The study is based on a random sample of 1000 voters.
- His behaviour seemed completely random and confused everyone.
- The distribution appeared random, but further analysis revealed a subtle pattern.
- She was irritated by his random interjections, which derailed the discussion.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a RAN where DOMestic animals are let loose in no particular order – a RAN-DOM selection.
Conceptual Metaphor
LACK OF CONTROL IS RANDOMNESS (e.g., 'My life feels so random lately'), ORDER IS CONTROL.
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid translating informal 'random' (strange) as 'случайный' when it means 'odd' or 'unexpected'. In technical contexts, 'случайный' is correct.
- The phrase 'at random' is a fixed adverbial phrase ('наугад', 'случайным образом'), not a prepositional phrase to be translated word-for-word.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'randomly' when 'at random' is the fixed phrase (e.g., 'They were chosen at random' not 'chosen randomly' – though 'randomly' is also acceptable).
- Overusing the informal meaning in formal or technical writing where precision is needed.
Practice
Quiz
In which sentence is 'random' used in its technical, statistical sense?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is formal in technical contexts (mathematics, computing, science). In general use, it is neutral, but the colloquial meaning ('strange, unexpected') is informal.
'Random' implies an absence of pattern or predictability, often by chance. 'Arbitrary' implies a decision based on personal whim or convenience rather than reason or system. An arbitrary choice isn't necessarily random (it could be deliberately capricious).
In informal British English, 'a random' can refer to an unknown person ('I got talking to a random at the party'). This usage is not standard in formal writing or American English.
It is an adverbial phrase meaning 'without a method or conscious decision', 'in a way that gives all items an equal chance'. It is often used with verbs like 'choose', 'select', or 'pick'.
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