random
UK: ˈrændəm | US: ˈrændəm
adj. lacking a definite plan, purpose, or pattern; made or done without method
adj. (statistics) governed by equal probability for each item
n. an unspecified or unknown person or thing
The word "random" traces back to the Old French randon (impetuosity, violence), derived from randir (to run hastily). The suffix "-om" is an archaic noun-forming ending, now obsolete. Originally, "random" described uncontrolled force or speed (e.g., "random stroke" in Middle English). By the 1650s, it evolved to mean "without aim or direction," influenced by gambling contexts where outcomes were unpredictable. The statistical sense emerged in the early 20th century.
The experiment used random selection to ensure fairness.
She picked a random book from the shelf.
His random comments often confused the audience.
The survey included random samples from diverse populations.
We met a random stranger who turned out to be a distant relative.