Definition

The process of selecting someone for a position or task by randomly drawing lots, similar to a lottery.

Example

In ancient Athens, sortition was used to choose government officials.

Conversation

Have you ever heard of sortition in elections?

Yeah, I think it's a pretty interesting way to choose representatives.

Right? It makes the process fairer by using random selection instead of popularity.

Exactly! It could really change how we see democracy.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Sortition is derived from the Latin "sortitio" (meaning a drawing of lots) which comes from "sortiri" (meaning to draw lots or to choose by lot). The word refers to the process of selecting individuals for a position or task by random selection, akin to drawing lots.

Memory Tip

Think of 'drawing lots' to remember that sortition means selecting people randomly for a role or task.

Visually Confused Words