Random: meaning, definitions and examples

Etymology

• The word 'random' comes from the Middle English word 'randoun', which means speed or impetuosity.
• It was originally used in the context of chance events in gaming and gambling during the 16th century.

Mathematics

• In statistics, random sampling helps researchers to get a representative sample of a larger population without bias.
• Randomness is essential in probability theory, where outcomes cannot be predicted with certainty.

Pop Culture

• Many popular games use elements of randomness, such as rolling dice or shuffling cards, to determine outcomes.
• Reality TV often capitalizes on random events or people being chosen for unexpected tasks, adding excitement to the show.

Science

• In physics, random motion describes particles that move without a fixed direction, such as in Brownian motion.
• Research in genetics involves randomness, as mutations can occur unpredictably, influencing evolution.

Psychology

• People often struggle with randomness when trying to find patterns in events, leading to a phenomenon called apophenia.
• Studies show that unpredictable rewards can lead to higher levels of motivation, as seen in gambling behavior.

At position #3,000, this word belongs to solid intermediate vocabulary. It's frequently used in both casual and formal contexts and is worth learning for better fluency.

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• 2997 cried
• 2998 confusion
• 2999 cool
• 3000 random
• 3001 democratic
• 3002 recommend
• 3003 installed
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