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A word meaning random but restricted

English Language & Usage Asked by AlbinoRhino on December 14, 2020

Is there a single english word that means an object will take on a random / unpredictable attribute, but restricted to a known set of values?

For example, in programming, generating a random number but it is between 0 and 10

I feel like it is heavily related to probability, but I’m looking for a word that does not imply equal probability or known probabilities for each attribute.

Another example would be a light that can be red, blue, or green. each time you look at it you will see a "random" color, but it is restricted within a set of colors.

Example usage: But it was no ordinary die, you didn’t roll it; because it was ____, simply observing it gave a random result.

One Answer

I suggest aleatory

in British English

  1. dependent on chance
  2. (esp of a musical composition) involving elements chosen at random by the performer

Collins English dictionary

Word origin C17: from Latin āleātōrius, from āleātor gambler, from ālea game of chance, dice, of uncertain origin suggest aleatory

Although the main meaning is similar to random the etymology of the word relates to chance selection from a limited number of possibilities (such as in dice, or cards) rather than selection from an unbounded set, and therefore suits your purpose.

Answered by Anton on December 14, 2020

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