What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
stochastic
Example
The stock market is a stochastic system, with prices fluctuating based on various factors. [stochastic: adjective]
Example
The researcher used a stochastic model to simulate the spread of a disease. [stochastic: noun]
random
Example
The winner of the raffle was chosen at random from a pool of entries. [random: adverb]
Example
The experiment involved randomly assigning participants to different groups. [randomly: adverb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Random is more commonly used than stochastic in everyday language. Random is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while stochastic is less common and refers to a more technical and specialized vocabulary.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between stochastic and random?
Stochastic has a more formal and technical connotation than random. It is often used in academic or scientific writing, while random can be used in both formal and informal contexts.