Determinate: meaning, definitions and examples

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determinate

 

[ dɪˈtɜːrmɪnət ]

Adjective / Noun
Context #1 | Adjective

general use

The term 'determinate' refers to something that has a definite or fixed form, limit, or outcome. It can describe conditions that are clearly defined, resulting in a specific conclusion or decision. In mathematics, determinate can refer to a quantity that can be calculated precisely. This characteristic often contrasts with indeterminate, where outcomes are uncertain or variable.

Synonyms

certain, definite, fixed, specific

Examples of usage

  • The outcome of the experiment was determinate.
  • She had a determinate plan for her career.
  • His feedback was determinate, leading to a clear conclusion.
Context #2 | Noun

mathematics

In mathematical terms, 'determinate' refers to an expression or matrix that can be evaluated to yield a particular value. It often applies in the context of determinants in linear algebra, where it signifies a function that provides important properties of a matrix, including its invertibility. If the determinant is zero, the corresponding matrix is singular.

Synonyms

determinant

Examples of usage

  • To solve the system, we calculated the determinate of the matrix.
  • The determinate indicates whether the equations have a unique solution.
  • A non-zero determinate confirms that the vectors are linearly independent.

Translations

Translations of the word "determinate" in other languages:

🇵🇹 determinante

🇮🇳 निर्धारणीय

🇩🇪 bestimmend

🇮🇩 menentukan

🇺🇦 визначальний

🇵🇱 determinant

🇯🇵 決定的な

🇫🇷 déterminant

🇪🇸 determinante

🇹🇷 belirleyici

🇰🇷 결정적인

🇸🇦 محدد

🇨🇿 určující

🇸🇰 rozhodujúci

🇨🇳 决定性

🇸🇮 določilen

🇮🇸 ákveðin

🇰🇿 анықтаушы

🇬🇪 დადგენილი

🇦🇿 müəyyənedici

🇲🇽 determinante

Word origin

The word 'determinate' originates from the Latin 'determinatus', which means 'definite, fixed, settled' and is derived from the verb 'determinare', meaning 'to set boundaries or limits'. The term has been used in English since the late 14th century, evolving from its Latin roots to describe various contexts like mathematics, philosophy, and general language use. In mathematics, it started to gain prominence during the development of linear algebra and the study of equations, where the concept of limits and fixed outcomes became critically important. The term is often contrasted with 'indeterminate', helping to delineate clear outcomes from those that are ambiguous or uncertain.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #14,813, this word is part of sophisticated English vocabulary. It's useful for academic or professional contexts where precise language is needed.