aleatory

[ ey-lee-uh-tawr-ee, -tohr-ee, al-ee- ]

adjective

1. Law. depending on a contingent event:

   an aleatory contract.

2. of or relating to accidental causes; of luck or chance; unpredictable:

   an aleatory element.

3. Music. employing the element of chance in the choice of tones, rests, durations, rhythms, dynamics, etc.

aleatory

/ -trɪ; ˌeɪlɪəˈtɒrɪk; ˈeɪlɪətərɪ /

adjective

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of aleatory¹

1685–95; < Latin āleātōrius, equivalent to āleātōr- (stem of āleātor gambler ( āle ( a ) game of chance + -ātor -ator ) + -ius adj. suffix; -tory ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of aleatory¹

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

Example Sentences

First, we led him through an “aleatory music” session in which he had to use a cheese grater to produce sounds.

From New York Times

The team is now researching perceptions of aleatory uncertainty — unknowns about the future due to randomness, indeterminacy, chance or luck.

From New York Times

The tonal lurching makes “Cardinal” feel whimsical and even a bit aleatory, like a John Cage sonata.

From New York Times

As he develops the project, he is likely to grow more comfortable and grounded in the aleatory digital space he’s created.

From New York Times

As a generation from whom little was expected, we cultivated an aleatory, “slacker” ethos—well depicted in Richard Linklater’s film of the same name.

From Salon

Related Words

• accidental
• haphazard
• impromptu
• random
• spontaneous
• unexpected
• unintended
• unintentional