What is random? Pronunciation and usage in English

random means . Learn how to pronounce and use random through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of random

randomadjective

/ˈrændəm//ˈrændəm/

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "random" in English. It's a tricky one because it doesn't follow typical English pronunciation rules!

Here's the breakdown:

  • rhyme with "band-som": This is the key. The word sounds like "band-som" (as in "band" and "som").

  • Emphasis on the first syllable: The "band" part is stressed.

  • The "m" sound is subtle: The "m" at the end is very lightly pronounced – it’s almost like you're gently following the “som” sound. It's not a strong "m" like in "man."

So, it's roughly pronounced: ˈrændəm (rhymes with "band-som")

Here’s a helpful breakdown:

  • ra – like the beginning of "rabbit"
  • nd – as in "hand"
  • som – like "some" (but a bit shorter)
  • m – a very quiet, almost swallowed "m"

Resources for Hearing It:

  • Google Search: Just Google "how to pronounce random" and you'll find audio clips and videos.
  • Forvo: https://forvo.com/word/random/ - This website lets you hear the word pronounced by native speakers from various regions.

Do you want me to:

  • Repeat the pronunciation?
  • Give you some examples of sentences where "random" is used?

Usage and examples with the word random in English

Let's break down how to use the word "random" in English. It's a versatile word with a few different meanings, so understanding the context is key.

1. As an Adjective (Meaning "Without a Pattern or Design"):

This is the most common use. It describes something that is unpredictable, chance-based, or haphazard.

  • Examples:
    • “The results were completely random.” (Meaning: the results had no clear pattern or were just luck.)
    • “I wore a random shirt today.” (Meaning: I picked a shirt without thinking about it – it was a lucky guess.)
    • “The computer generated random numbers.” (Meaning: the computer produced numbers without any specific rules or sequence.)
    • “He made a random comment.” (Meaning: he said something unexpected and off-topic.)
    • “The forest was filled with random wildflowers.” (Meaning: the wildflowers were scattered throughout the forest and not in a planned arrangement.)

2. As an Adjective (Meaning "Chance or Luck"):

Sometimes, "random" implies a fortunate or successful outcome due to chance.

  • Examples:
    • “He won the lottery through pure random chance.” (Meaning he won mainly by luck.)
    • “It was random good luck that struck him at the right moment.” (He benefited from chance.)

3. As a Noun (Meaning “A Chance Occurrence” or “A Happenstance”):

This is less common, but still used. It refers to an isolated event or occurrence.

  • Examples:
    • “There was a random act of kindness.” (Meaning: a single, unplanned act of kindness.)
    • "He witnessed a random fight in the street." (Meaning: an unexpected, unplanned fight.)

Key Considerations & Related Words:

  • Synonyms: Consider these words as alternatives depending on the nuance you want:

    • Chance: (Most direct synonym) “chance occurrence”
    • Accidental: (Suggests something unplanned and possibly undesirable) “an accidental mistake”
    • Unpredictable: (Focuses on the lack of foreseeability) "unpredictable behavior"
    • Haphazard: (Suggests a lack of order or organization) “a haphazard approach”
    • Fortuitous: (Highlights the lucky aspect) “a fortuitous discovery"

  • Contrast with “Systematic” or “Planned”: "Random" is often used in contrast to words like systematic, planned, or organized.

  • Probability: The concept of randomness is closely tied to probability. Random events are those where the outcome is impossible to predict with certainty.

Let's test your understanding! Choose the best way to use "random" in these sentences:

  1. “I chose a book at the store – it was completely ______.” (a) systematic (b) random (c) predictable
  2. “The earthquake caused ______ damage to the city.” (a) planned (b) random (c) deliberate
  3. “She experienced a _______ act of generosity towards a stranger.” (a) systematic (b) random (c) scheduled

Answers:

  1. (b) random
  2. (b) random
  3. (b) random

Do you want me to:

  • Provide more examples of how to use "random"?
  • Explain the relationship between "random" and probability in more detail?
  • Give you some exercises to practice using the word?

Synonyms for the word random

Practice with vocabulary random

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. To ensure fairness in the study, participants were assigned to either the control or experimental group in a ______ manner.
  2. The system generated a ______ sequence of numbers for the security protocol, making it nearly impossible to predict the next value.
  3. The board's decision to change the company's logo without consulting any stakeholders appeared entirely ______ and lacked a clear strategic rationale.
  4. Meeting my former professor on a remote hiking trail was a truly ______ occurrence; neither of us had planned to be there at the same time.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. When conducting a survey, choosing respondents without any specific pattern or system is considered: a) systematic b) random c) methodical d) deliberate

  2. Which terms describe a process or outcome characterized by pure chance or lack of order? a) haphazard b) methodical c) random d) structured

  3. The software glitch caused a series of ______ errors that were difficult to trace because they seemed to occur without any discernible pattern. a) consistent b) regular c) random d) predictable

  4. The manager made an ______ decision about the project's timeline, causing confusion among the team members who expected a data-driven approach. a) objective b) arbitrary c) rational d) well-founded

  5. Which word best describes an unexpected and fortunate discovery, often made while looking for something else? a) coincidental b) methodical c) serendipitous d) haphazard

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. Original: The researcher selected participants for the focus group by simply picking names from a hat, without any particular order. Rewrite using "random" or related word form:

  2. Original: To minimize bias in the drug trial, the patients were assigned to either the placebo or treatment group in a way that ensured each had an equal chance of being in either group. Rewrite using "random" or related word form:

  3. Original: Her choice of color for the corporate branding seemed entirely without a logical basis, surprising many of the marketing team. Rewrite NOT using "random", but a suitable replacement word:

Answer:

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. random
  2. random
  3. arbitrary
  4. coincidental

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. b) random
  2. a) haphazard, c) random
  3. c) random
  4. b) arbitrary
  5. c) serendipitous

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. The researcher randomly selected participants for the focus group by picking names from a hat.
  2. To minimize bias in the drug trial, the patients were randomly assigned to either the placebo or treatment group.
  3. Her choice of color for the corporate branding seemed entirely arbitrary, surprising many of the marketing team.

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