Which text uses the word random in its traditional sense?
The final challenge of the contest was really random: participants had to choose three restaurants in town and serenade diners as they ate. For the final challenge of the contest, participants had to choose three random restaurants in town and serenade diners as they ate.
Words change in meaning when speakers begin using them in new ways. For example, the word peruse once only meant to examine in detail, but it's now also commonly used to mean to look through in a casual manner.
When a word changes in meaning, its correct usage is often debated. Although a newer sense of the word may be more commonly used, many people consider a word's traditional definition to be the correct usage. Being able to distinguish the different uses of a word can help you use it appropriately for different audiences.
Britney perused her notes, carefully preparing for her exam.
The traditional usage above is considered more standard.
David perused the magazine, absentmindedly flipping through the pages.
The nontraditional usage above is now commonly used, but traditional style guides generally advise against it.
The first text uses random in its traditional sense: made or occurring without a definite pattern.
For the final challenge of the contest, participants had to choose three random restaurants in town and serenade diners as they ate.
The second text uses random in its nontraditional sense: odd or out of place.
The final challenge of the contest was really random: participants had to choose three restaurants in town and serenade diners as they ate.
Most style guides recommend to avoid using the nontraditional sense of the word random because it is generally considered incorrect.