random

[ ran-duhm ]
/ ˈræn dəm /

adjective

noun

adverb

Building Trades. without uniformity: random-sized slates.

Idioms for random

    at random, without definite aim, purpose, method, or adherence to a prior arrangement; in a haphazard way: Contestants were chosen at random from the studio audience.

Origin of random

1275–1325; Middle English raundon, random < Old French randon, derivative of randir to gallop < Germanic

OTHER WORDS FROM random

British Dictionary definitions for at random

random
/ (ˈrændəm) /

adjective

lacking any definite plan or prearranged order; haphazard a random selection
statistics
  1. having a value which cannot be determined but only described probabilisticallya random variable
  2. chosen without regard to any characteristics of the individual members of the population so that each has an equal chance of being selectedrandom sampling
informal (of a person) unknown some random guy waiting for a bus

noun

at random in a purposeless fashion; not following any prearranged order

Derived forms of random

randomly, adverb randomness, noun

Word Origin for random

C14: from Old French randon, from randir to gallop, of Germanic origin; compare Old High German rinnan to run

Scientific definitions for at random

random
[ răndəm ]

Relating to a type of circumstance or event that is described by a probability distribution.
Relating to an event in which all outcomes are equally likely, as in the testing of a blood sample for the presence of a substance.

Idioms and Phrases with at random (1 of 2)

at random

Without order or fixed purpose, haphazardly, as in Jackson Pollock dropped paints on canvas seemingly at random. Originally this phrase meant “very speedily” and “heedlessly.” Shakespeare had the present usage in 1 Henry VI (5:3): “He talks at random; sure the man is mad.” [Late 1500s]

Idioms and Phrases with at random (2 of 2)

random

see at random.