French word

aléatoire

Pronunciation

IPA/aleatwaʁ/

Meaning

  • adjectiverandom

Example

Le tirage est aléatoire.

The draw is random.

Illustration for aléatoire (random)

More examples

On a fait un choix aléatoire.

We made a random choice.

Core concept

A process in which chance selects the outcome, making precise prediction impossible.

Common phrases

  • choix aléatoire

    random choice

  • tirage aléatoire

    random draw

  • sélection aléatoire

    random selection

Similar words

imprévisible: Impossible to predict in advance.
incertain: Not definite, settled, or clearly known.
arbitraire: Based on personal choice rather than clear rules or reasons.
hasardeux: Risky because success depends on chance and the outcome is uncertain.

Definition in French

Qui résulte du hasard et ne peut être prévu précisément.

Word origin

French formed aléatoire from the learned Latin-based form aleatorius, itself built on Latin alea, meaning a die or chance.

Usage tips

  • Au hasard is a common everyday alternative in many contexts, while aléatoire is especially frequent in formal, scientific, and technical language.

Opposites

Related words

  • aléachancenoun
  • aléatoirementrandomlyadverb

Word lists with this word