Indeterminate Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
๐ค
indeterminate
[ษชnหdษชหtษrmษชnษt ]
Definitions
mathematics
Not definitely or precisely determined or fixed.
Synonyms
uncertain, undecided, unsettled.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
Word | Description / Examples |
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indeterminate |
Used to describe something that cannot be precisely determined or fixed. It often implies something that is not clearly defined or is vague.
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uncertain |
Used when describing a situation, outcome, or future event that is not known or predictable. It is often used when there is doubt or lack of confidence.
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undecided |
Describes a person or situation that has not yet reached a decision. Often used when someone is still considering options or when a final decision has not been made.
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unsettled |
Describes a situation or person that is disturbed, not stable, or in a state of flux. It can also refer to someone feeling anxious or disturbed.
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Examples of usage
- The outcome of the experiment is indeterminate.
- The value of x in this equation is indeterminate.
- The future of the project remains indeterminate.
general
Not able to be definitely known or identified.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
Word | Description / Examples |
---|---|
indeterminate |
Best used in formal or scientific contexts when something can't be definitely measured, calculated, or fixed.
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unclear |
Used in both formal and informal situations when something is not easy to understand or is not obvious.
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vague |
Used when something is not clearly expressed, defined, or can be easily understood. Often has a negative connotation.
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ambiguous |
Used when something can be understood in more than one way and is not clear. Often used in literature, art, and everyday communication.
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Examples of usage
- The identity of the mysterious person is indeterminate.
- The cause of the problem remains indeterminate.
- The exact time of the event is indeterminate.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Mathematics
- In calculus, an indeterminate form occurs when the limit of an expression cannot be easily determined, like 0/0.
- Indeterminate equations have more than one solution, making them complex to solve.
- Certain mathematical functions can lead to indeterminate values based on the input given.
Philosophy
- Philosophers often discuss concepts that are indeterminate, meaning they lack a fixed meaning or outcome.
- Indeterminacy is crucial in discussions about free will, where outcomes of certain actions canโt be precisely predicted.
- In existentialism, indeterminacy can relate to the ambiguity of human existence and choices.
Literature
- Some literary works embrace indeterminate endings, leaving readers to interpret the conclusion themselves.
- Authors may use indeterminate characters whose motivations and objectives remain unclear throughout the narrative.
- The concept is often explored in modernist literature, which questions certainty and absolute truth.
Science
- In quantum physics, indeterminacy refers to the inherent limitations in predicting certain particle behaviors.
- The Heisenberg Uncertainty Principle suggests that certain properties of particles cannot be known with precision.
- Indeterminate states in biological systems highlight the unpredictability observed in genetic expressions.
Origin of 'indeterminate'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from the Latin 'indeterminatus', which means 'not determined'.
- It combines 'in-' (not) and 'determine', meaning unable to be defined.
- It first appeared in English in the late 16th century.
The word 'indeterminate' comes from the Latin word 'indeterminatus', which means 'not determined'. It first appeared in the mid-17th century in English. The concept of indeterminacy has been explored in various fields such as mathematics, philosophy, and science, highlighting the idea of uncertainty and lack of clear definition.
See also: determinability, determinable, determination, determine, determined, determinedly, determiner, determinist, indeterminacy, indeterminateness, predetermine, predetermined, undetermined.
Word Frequency Rank
Ranked #12,458, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.
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