adv
Common
randomly
RANDM-lee
Randomly (adv) means In a way that has no set pattern or order; by chance. Example: “The teacher randomly chose a pupil to read the next paragraph aloud.”
adv
1
In a way that has no set pattern or order; by chance.
"The teacher randomly chose a pupil to read the next paragraph aloud."
"Names were drawn randomly from the entry box."
"The app randomly selects a song from your playlist."
How to use randomly
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishDone by chance, without any particular order or method.
Common pairings
selected randomly
randomly assigned
chosen randomly
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Word forms
- Comparative
- more randomly
- Superlative
- most randomly
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The teacher _____ chose a pupil to read the next paragraph aloud.
Etymology
Formed from random and -ly.
Synonyms
View more →Related words
Frequently asked questions
What does “randomly” mean?
The word “randomly” means in a way that has no set pattern or order; by chance. In plain terms, done by chance, without any particular order or method.
How do you pronounce “randomly”?
“Randomly” is pronounced RANDM-lee (/ˈɹændm̩li/ in IPA).
How do you use “randomly” in a sentence?
Here is “randomly” used in a sentence: “Names were drawn randomly from the entry box.”
What part of speech is “randomly”?
“Randomly” is an adverb.
Is “randomly” a common word?
“Randomly” is a fairly common word in modern English.
What is the difference between randomly and accidentally?
Randomly means without any set pattern or order, by chance, as in numbers chosen randomly. Accidentally means by mistake or unintentionally. Something done randomly may be deliberate yet patternless, while something accidental is unplanned.
What is the difference between randomly and arbitrarily?
Randomly means by chance with no pattern, so no one controls the outcome. Arbitrarily means based on personal choice or whim rather than a rule, so a person still decides. An arbitrary decision has a chooser; a random one does not.
Where does randomly go in a sentence?
As an adverb, "randomly" can sit before the verb (they randomly selected a winner), after the verb (the dots were scattered randomly), or at the start of a clause for emphasis. It describes how an action happens.
What is the difference between randomly and by chance?
Both describe events without a set pattern, but "randomly" is a single adverb often stressing a lack of order, while "by chance" is a phrase emphasizing that something was not planned. They frequently overlap in meaning.
