random
Translation
random, haphazard, arbitrary
Examples
The winner was chosen by a random drawing.
The winner was chosen by a random drawing.
He made a random comment about the weather.
He made a random comment about the weather.
Grammar Patterns
a random ((noun)) (describes something done by chance) The winner was chosen by a random drawing.
Similar Words
Synonyms: arbitrary, haphazard; Antonyms: systematic, planned
Etymology
From Old French 'random' (force, violence), from 'randir' (to run fast). The sense shifted to 'haphazard' in the 19th century.
Memory Tips
Think of a 'ran'ning 'dom'ino chain falling unpredictably.