randomize
C1Technical / Academic / Formal
Definition
Meaning
To make something random, to remove order or pattern from a set of items, ensuring chance determines the outcome.
In scientific and statistical contexts, to assign subjects or treatments to different groups by chance to eliminate bias, a cornerstone of experimental design. In computing, to generate or process data in a non-sequential, unpredictable manner.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Implies a deliberate, controlled process of introducing randomness, often for a specific purpose like fairness or scientific validity. Contrasts with 'shuffle', which is more casual and physical.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The spelling differs: 'randomise' is the preferred British English spelling, while 'randomize' is standard in American English. The verb form is used identically in meaning and frequency across technical registers.
Connotations
No significant connotative differences beyond spelling.
Frequency
Equally common in academic and technical contexts in both varieties. Less frequent in casual, everyday speech.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[transitive] randomize + noun phrase (e.g., The software will randomize the list.)[passive] be randomized + prepositional phrase (e.g., Patients were randomized into two groups.)Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[]”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Used in market research for selecting focus group participants without bias.
Academic
Fundamental in research methodology for ensuring the validity of experiments through random assignment.
Everyday
Used casually for mixing up a playlist, deciding who goes first in a game, or drawing names from a hat.
Technical
Core function in programming (e.g., random number generation), statistics (random sampling), and clinical trials.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The researcher will randomise the patient cohort to minimise selection bias.
- Please randomise the slides before the presentation to keep it fresh.
American English
- The algorithm will randomize the test questions for each student.
- We need to randomize the order of the agenda items.
adverb
British English
- The names were selected randomly from the database.
American English
- Participants were randomly assigned to one of three conditions.
adjective
British English
- The randomised controlled trial is the gold standard in medical research.
- A randomised list was generated for the audit.
American English
- The randomized sample provided more reliable data.
- They used a randomized algorithm to assign tasks.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The teacher will randomize the list of students for the project.
- To make the game fair, we should randomize the teams.
- The computer can randomize the playlist so you hear different songs.
- The study's credibility depends on the ability to properly randomize the participants.
- Before the survey, we must randomize the question order to avoid bias.
- Sophisticated Monte Carlo methods rely on the ability to randomize input variables within specified distributions.
- The protocol mandates that treatment allocations be randomized and double-blinded.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: To make something RANDOM in SIZE or order. Imagine taking items of various sizes and putting them in a completely random arrangement.
Conceptual Metaphor
FAIRNESS IS RANDOMNESS (e.g., 'We randomized the draw to give everyone an equal chance.')
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid direct calques like 'рандомизировать' in overly casual contexts where 'перемешать' (shuffle) is more natural.
- Do not confuse with 'случайный' (random/adjective); ensure the verb form is used for the action.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'randomize' intransitively (e.g., 'The list randomizes.'). It requires an object in active voice.
- Confusing 'randomize' (a deliberate process) with 'random' (a state).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the use of 'randomize' LEAST appropriate?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
They are similar but differ in register and precision. 'Shuffle' is more general and physical (e.g., shuffle cards), while 'randomize' implies a systematic, often algorithmic, process to achieve a truly random state, especially in technical contexts.
Yes, but it might sound formal. In casual talk, people often say 'mix up', 'shuffle', or 'put in a random order'. 'Randomize' is perfectly correct but signals a more deliberate or technical intention.
The primary noun is 'randomization' (or 'randomisation' in UK spelling). A 'randomizer' is a tool or algorithm that performs randomization.
Yes, the passive construction is very common, especially in academic writing, to focus on the process rather than the agent (e.g., 'The data was randomized before analysis.').