Incertitude: meaning, definitions and examples

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incertitude

 

[ ɪnˈsɜːrtəˌtud ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

state of being

Incertitude refers to a state of uncertainty or doubt regarding a decision or situation. It embodies the lack of assurance or confidence in knowing what the outcome might be. This concept is commonly associated with situations where variables are unpredictable or information is lacking.

Synonyms

ambiguity, doubt, indecisiveness, uncertainty

Examples of usage

  • The incertitude surrounding the project's timeline led to frustration among the team members.
  • Financial incertitude can affect consumers' spending habits.
  • In times of political incertitude, people often feel anxious about the future.

Translations

Translations of the word "incertitude" in other languages:

🇵🇹 incerteza

🇮🇳 अनिश्चितता

🇩🇪 Ungewissheit

🇮🇩 ketidakpastian

🇺🇦 невизначеність

🇵🇱 niepewność

🇯🇵 不確実性

🇫🇷 incertitude

🇪🇸 incertidumbre

🇹🇷 belirsizlik

🇰🇷 불확실성

🇸🇦 عدم اليقين

🇨🇿 nejistota

🇸🇰 neistota

🇨🇳 不确定性

🇸🇮 negotovost

🇮🇸 óvissa

🇰🇿 белгісіздік

🇬🇪 უწყვეტლივობა

🇦🇿 naməlumluq

🇲🇽 incertidumbre

Etymology

The word 'incertitude' originates from Middle French 'incertitude', which itself derives from the Latin 'incertitudo', meaning 'uncertainty'. This Latin term is formed from the prefix 'in-', meaning 'not', combined with 'certus', meaning 'certain'. The evolution of the word reflects the gradual shift in language from Latin to French and then to English, mirroring the changes in society's perception of certainty and doubt through history. In English, 'incertitude' is relatively less common compared to its synonym 'uncertainty', but it retains a formal tone and is often used in philosophical or academic discussions to emphasize the complexity and nuances of doubt.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #37,539, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.