Indeterminateness Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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indeterminateness
[หษชn.dษชหtษห.mษช.nษt.nษs ]
Definitions
in philosophy
The state of being uncertain or indefinite; vagueness.
Synonyms
indefiniteness, uncertainty, vagueness.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| indeterminateness |
Used in formal or philosophical discussions to describe something that cannot be precisely determined or defined.
|
| indefiniteness |
Used to describe something that lacks clear and precise details or boundaries.
|
Examples of usage
- The indeterminateness of the situation made it difficult to make a decision.
- His speech was full of indeterminateness, leaving the audience confused.
- The indeterminateness of the future kept her awake at night.
in mathematics
The property of being indeterminate; lack of a definite value or solution.
Synonyms
indefiniteness, indeterminacy.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| indeterminateness |
Same as the first entry, used in contexts requiring a formal tone to describe a lack of preciseness or clear boundaries.
|
| indefiniteness |
This term is commonly used to describe situations or concepts that are vague or not clearly defined, and can be used in both formal and informal settings.
|
| indeterminacy |
Frequently appears in scientific, mathematical, and legal contexts to describe situations where outcomes cannot be predicted or determined with precision.
|
Examples of usage
- The indeterminateness of the equation required further analysis.
- The indeterminateness of the data led to inconclusive results.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Philosophy
- In existential philosophy, indeterminateness refers to the nature of human existence, emphasizing uncertainty in choices.
- Heidegger explored the concept, suggesting that many aspects of life are beyond our comprehension and control.
Mathematics
- In mathematics, the term often describes systems or equations that do not have a unique solution, leading to multiple possibilities.
- Indeterminate forms, such as 0/0 or โ/โ, arise in calculus and require special techniques to evaluate.
Literature
- Writers often use indeterminateness to create suspense or ambiguity in storytelling, leaving readers guessing.
- Postmodern literature frequently embraces themes of uncertainty, challenging traditional narrative structures.
Psychology
- In cognitive psychology, indeterminateness can refer to situations where individuals struggle to make decisions due to unclear outcomes.
- This state can lead to anxiety as people seek clarity but are faced with uncertainty in their options.
Origin of 'indeterminateness'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from the Latin 'indeterminatus', which means 'not limited' or 'not definite'.
- It combines the prefix 'in-' (not) with 'determinateness', deriving from 'determinare', meaning 'to determine'.
The word 'indeterminateness' is derived from the combination of the prefix 'in-' meaning not, and the word 'determinate' meaning having a fixed value or solution. The concept of indeterminateness has been explored in various fields including philosophy, mathematics, and linguistics. It is often used to describe situations or problems that lack a clear or definite answer. The term has been in use since the 17th century, evolving to represent the idea of uncertainty, vagueness, or lack of specificity.
See also: determinability, determinable, determination, determine, determined, determinedly, determiner, determinist, indeterminacy, indeterminate, predetermine, predetermined, undetermined.