random

When we use random as a noun, we are usually talking about a lack of order. Think of it as something that happens by chance rather than by choice. For example, if you pick a card from a deck at random, you aren't looking for a specific one.

In today's digital world, you will also hear people use 'random' to describe a person they don't know. If you are playing an online video game and a stranger joins your team, you might call them a random. It is a very casual way to describe someone who is an outsider to your specific group.

The word random has a surprisingly adventurous history! It comes from the Old French word randon, which meant 'force' or 'impetuosity.' Back in the 14th century, it was often used to describe the speed or violence of a horse's gallop.

Over time, the meaning shifted from 'rushing with force' to 'moving without a clear path.' By the 17th century, the phrase at random had become common in English to describe actions taken without aim or direction. It is fascinating how a word for a galloping horse evolved into a term for statistical probability and modern social slang!

Using 'random' as a noun is very common in casual conversation. You will most often hear it in the phrase at random, which is a fixed collocation. This is used in both formal contexts, like scientific experiments, and casual ones, like picking a winner for a prize.

When using it to mean 'a stranger,' keep in mind that this is informal slang. You would use it while gaming or hanging out with friends, but definitely avoid it in a professional email to your boss! Using it in a formal report to describe a person would sound unprofessional.

• At random: Chosen without a plan. Example: I picked a book at random from the shelf.
• Random act of kindness: A nice thing done for no reason. Example: She did a random act of kindness by paying for my coffee.
• Random access: A technical term for memory. Example: The computer needs more random access memory.
• Random sample: A group chosen by chance. Example: We took a random sample of the population.
• Random walk: A path made by random steps. Example: The stock price followed a random walk.

As a noun, 'random' is a countable noun. You can say 'a random' or 'some randoms' when referring to people. The pronunciation is RAN-dum, with the stress on the first syllable. It rhymes with 'tandem' or 'bantam.'

Remember that when you use it in the phrase 'at random,' you do not add an 's' to the end. It is always 'at random,' never 'at randoms.' It is a simple, two-syllable word that is very easy to fit into your daily speech.