random
adj. · n.-
1 by chance (adj.) B1 Intermediatehappening by chance or without a specific plan or pattern.
governed by or involving equal chances for each item; lacking a predictable pattern or conscious decision.
ExampleThe computer picks a random winner from the list of email subscribers.
ExampleThe researchers selected a random sample of participants to ensure the study's results were not biased by specific demographics.
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2 unexpected or odd (adj.) B2 Upper Intermediate Informalstrange, unusual, or not connected to what is happening.
unexpected or seemingly irrelevant in a given context; often used to describe a non sequitur or a bizarre occurrence.
ExampleIt was so random to see my primary school teacher at a rock concert.
ExampleHe kept making random comments about 19th-century history during our meeting about the marketing budget.
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3 an unknown person (n.) C1 Advanced Informal Slanga person you do not know or someone who does not belong in a specific group.
an unidentified or socially insignificant person; often used to describe an uninvited guest or a stranger.
ExampleI didn't recognize anyone at the party; it was just a room full of randoms.
ExampleThe security guard refused to let some random into the backstage area without a proper pass.
From earlier randon, from Middle English randoun, raundon, from Old French randon, from randir (“to run, gallop”) (whence French randonnée (“long walk, hike”)), from Frankish randiju (“a run, race”) or Old Norse rend (“a run, race”), both from Proto-Germanic randijō, from rinnaną (“run”, verb), from Proto-Indo-European (H)r̥-nw- (“to flow, move, run”). Cognate with Middle Low German uprinden (“to jump up”), Danish rende (“to run”). See run.
- Adjectiverandom
- Adjectiverandy