Randomly

Part of speech: adverb

Pronunciation: /ˈɹændm̩li/

Definitions

1. In a fashion characterized by unpredictability or lack of order
2. In a way that occurs without any discernible plan or systematic approach
3. In a manner that lacks a set plan or sequence and happens unpredictably

Etymology: "Randomly" is about as plain as English etymology gets: it is "random" with the adverbial suffix "-ly" attached, so the history of the word is really the history of "random" plus a grammatical ending. The suffix "-ly" comes from the Old English "-lic," which was originally a form of the word "lic," meaning body or form, so "randomly" literally means "in the manner of random." The base word "random" was borrowed into English from Old French "randon," which meant a rushing, force, or impetuous course, and that sense of headlong, uncontrolled movement is what gives the modern idea of something happening without a plan. Because the adverb simply inherits this sense, the word describes actions that proceed without direction or method.

Synonyms: arbitrarily, haphazardly, casually, aimlessly, erratically

Antonyms: systematically, deliberately, purposefully, intentionally, methodically