Where does “random” come from?
Random derives from Middle English raundon, from Old French randon, from the verb randir meaning to run or gallop, from Frankish rant, ultimately from Proto-Indo-European ren-.
random (English): A roving motion; course without definite...
Definitions
- A roving motion; course without definite...
Ancestry of “random”, step by step
| Step | Language | Word | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | English | randon | Obsolete form of random |
| 2 | Middle English | randoun | Force, magnitude, haste, intensity; Something... |
| 3 | Old French | randon | rapidity |
| 4 | Old French | randir | to run; to run quickly or impetuously; to gallop |
| 5 | Frankish | rand | run; a course; running |
| 6 | Proto-Germanic | randijō | running |
| 7 | Proto-Germanic | rinnaną | to run, to rush; to flow |
| 8 | Proto-Indo-European | h₃ér- | to move, to stir |