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Indeterminacy Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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indeterminacy

[ˌɪn.dɪˈtɜː.mɪ.nə.si ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

philosophy

The concept that certain aspects of reality are inherently uncertain or unknowable, often associated with postmodern philosophy.

Synonyms

ambiguity, uncertainty, vagueness.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
indeterminacy

Often used in scientific, philosophical, or legal contexts to describe a state of being undefined or not precisely determined.

  • The indeterminacy principle in quantum mechanics suggests that we cannot know certain pairs of properties precisely
  • The terms of the agreement had an indeterminacy that made it difficult to enforce
uncertainty

Commonly used to describe a situation where there is a lack of sureness or predictability about what will happen.

  • There is a lot of uncertainty about the outcome of the election
  • Due to the uncertainty in the market, investors are being very cautious
ambiguity

Used when referring to something that can have more than one interpretation or when the meaning is not clear.

  • The contract had an ambiguity that caused some confusion
  • Her smile held a certain ambiguity, making it hard to understand her true feelings
vagueness

Used to describe something that is not clearly or explicitly stated, often causing confusion. It can carry a negative connotation when clarity is needed.

  • The instructions were criticized for their vagueness
  • His answer was vague, offering no real solution to the problem

Examples of usage

  • Her argument was based on the indeterminacy of language, highlighting the limitations of communication.
  • The indeterminacy of quantum mechanics suggests that the position and momentum of a particle cannot be simultaneously known with absolute precision.
Context #2 | Noun

physics

The principle in quantum mechanics that the exact state of a particle cannot be simultaneously determined due to the nature of quantum systems.

Synonyms

indeterminateness, uncertainty, unpredictability.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
indeterminacy

Used in academic, philosophical, or scientific discussions where the inability to precisely define or measure something is highlighted.

  • The indeterminacy of quantum states challenges classical physics
uncertainty

Commonly used in everyday language and a wide range of situations to express doubt or lack of certain knowledge.

  • There is a lot of uncertainty about the weather tomorrow
indeterminateness

Often found in formal or technical contexts to describe something that can't be determined or fixed.

  • The indeterminateness of the situation left the researchers puzzled
unpredictability

Utilized to describe situations or behaviors that are not predictable, often in contexts involving change or instability.

  • The unpredictability of the stock market makes investment risky

Examples of usage

  • The indeterminacy of electron position and momentum is a fundamental aspect of quantum theory.
  • Heisenberg's uncertainty principle is a famous expression of indeterminacy in physics.

Translations

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Interesting Facts

Science

  • In quantum mechanics, indeterminacy suggests that certain properties of particles cannot be known simultaneously, like position and momentum.
  • Heisenberg's Uncertainty Principle is a famous example of indeterminacy in physics, illustrating the limitations of measurement.

Philosophy

  • Philosophical discussions on indeterminacy often revolve around free will, questioning whether our choices are predetermined or not.
  • The concept challenges traditional views of determinism, sparking debates about reality and existence.

Literature

  • In literature, indeterminacy can refer to ambiguous endings, leaving readers unsure about character fates or themes.
  • Authors like Samuel Beckett often explored themes of uncertainty, reflecting indeterminate aspects of human experience.

Art

  • Indeterminacy in art refers to works that leave some aspects up to chance, inviting viewer interpretation, like in performance art.
  • Artists such as John Cage employed indeterminate elements in their music, embracing unpredictability and spontaneity.

Origin of 'indeterminacy'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from Latin 'indeterminatus', meaning 'not fixed or defined'.
  • It emerged into English usage in the late 19th century, intertwining with various scientific and philosophical discussions.

The term 'indeterminacy' originated in the mid-20th century, primarily in the fields of philosophy and physics. In philosophy, it was popularized by thinkers like Jacques Derrida and Richard Rorty, who explored the limits of language and knowledge. In physics, the concept of indeterminacy became central to quantum mechanics, challenging classical notions of determinism. Today, indeterminacy continues to be a key theme in discussions about uncertainty and unpredictability in various disciplines.

See also: determinability, determinable, determination, determine, determined, determinedly, determiner, determinist, indeterminate, indeterminateness, predetermine, predetermined, undetermined.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #23,000, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.