Word of the Day: Random

ran-dom / ˈran-dəm

 

adjective

 

1. lacking purpose, reason or plan

When you expand your awareness, seemingly random events will be seen to fit into a larger purpose.

Deepak Chopra, 1946-

 

2. made, done or chosen with no specific purpose

Once you begin to acknowledge random acts of kindness – both the ones you have received and the ones you have given – you can no longer believe that what you do does not matter.

Dawna Markova, 1942-

 

3. in statistics, relating to or being elements with definite probability of happening

There are two types of random variables, discrete and continuous.

stat.yale.edu/courses/1997-98/101/ranvar.htm

 

4. in statistics, relating to or being in a set with elements that have equal probability of occurring

Random phenomena like weather events are not chaotic; they are unpredictable in the short run, but they have a regular pattern in the long run.

learner.org/courses/againstallodds/pdf/AgainstAllOdds_Student_Guide_Unit18.pdf

 

5. slang, unpredictably odd

Our time on Earth is so random.

Lisa Ling, 1973-

 

6. slang, unknown or out of place

Every time I say thanks or thank you to a random person they blush and say you’re welcome.

Charlie Morgan, 1955-

 

adverb

 

1. in a manner lacking purpose or reason, often used in combination

When the cookies have thoroughly cooled, peel off the foil and break them into random-sized pieces.

from ‘Apple Turnover Murder’ by Joanne Fluke, 1943-