Definition

Noun: 1. The act or process of making a decision by chance using lots: "Sortition" refers to the method of selecting someone or deciding something by drawing lots, such as straws, pebbles, or marked pieces of paper. This process relies entirely on random chance to ensure fairness and impartiality.

Usage and Examples

• Noun:
  • The selection of the jury members was done by sortition to ensure a fair and unbiased panel.
  • In ancient Athens, many public officials were chosen by sortition rather than by election.

Advanced Usage

• "The principle of sortition": Refers to the concept or theory of using random selection, especially in governance.
  • The political theorist advocated for the principle of sortition as a democratic alternative to elections.

Variants and Related Words

• Lot (n): An object used in the process of making a chance decision.
  • They drew lots to decide who would go first.
• Drawing lots (n phrase): The act of making a decision by sortition.
  • The matter was settled by drawing lots.

Synonyms

• Drawing lots: The act of deciding by lot.
• Random selection: Choosing by a method that gives everyone an equal chance.

Related Phrases and Concepts

• By lot: A phrase meaning "by the method of sortition."
  • The position was filled by lot.
• Cleromancy: Divination by casting lots or drawing lots, which is a related but distinct concept focused on seeking guidance rather than making a purely administrative decision.

Noun

1. making a chance decision by using lots (straws or pebbles etc.) that are thrown or drawn