What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
arbitrarily
Example
The teacher arbitrarily assigned seats to the students. [arbitrarily: adverb]
Example
He chose his outfit for the day arbitrarily, without considering the weather. [arbitrarily: adverb]
randomly
Example
She randomly picked a book from the shelf to read. [randomly: adverb]
Example
The computer generated a randomly selected number. [randomly: adverb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Randomly is more commonly used than arbitrarily in everyday language. Randomly is versatile and can be used in various contexts to describe actions or events that occur without a specific pattern or order. On the other hand, arbitrarily is less common and is typically used in the context of decision-making.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between arbitrarily and randomly?
Both arbitrarily and randomly can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, arbitrarily may sound slightly more formal due to its association with decision-making and authority.
