Parameter: meaning, definitions and examples
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parameter
[ pəˈræmɪtər ]
mathematics
A quantity or constant whose value varies with other variables or circumstances.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
Word | Description / Examples |
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parameter |
Used in technical or scientific contexts to refer to a measurable or definable characteristic that can vary and affect the outcome of an experiment or system.
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variable |
Primarily used in mathematics, statistics, and science to refer to an element, feature, or factor that is liable to change or vary; in programming, it represents storage locations with a changeable value.
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factor |
Used when referring to a contributing cause or influence that affects a result or outcome; commonly used in discussions about conditions, circumstances, or influences.
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element |
Used to refer to a fundamental or essential part of a larger whole, often employed in various fields such as chemistry, design, or general descriptions.
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Examples of usage
- The parameter a in the equation y = ax + b represents the slope of the line.
- In statistics, the parameter of a normal distribution is its mean and standard deviation.
computing
A piece of data passed to a subroutine or function for use as an argument.
Synonyms
argument, input, value.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
Word | Description / Examples |
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parameter |
Used primarily in technical fields such as mathematics, statistics, and computer science to refer to a fixed element that helps to define or control a system or set conditions.
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argument |
Commonly used in discussions about logic, philosophy, and computer programming. In the context of programming, it refers to the data you pass into a function. When used in everyday language, it describes a reason or explanation given to support an idea or viewpoint.
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value |
Used in a wide range of contexts to describe the numerical amount, importance, or usefulness of something. In programming, it refers to the data assigned to a variable.
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input |
Often used in technology and everyday contexts to describe information or data provided to a system or conversation. It conveys the idea of receiving information or feedback for further processing.
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Examples of usage
- The function takes two parameters, radius and height, to calculate the volume of a cylinder.
- In programming, parameters are used to customize the behavior of functions.
linguistics
A linguistic element that contributes to the meaning of a sentence.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
Word | Description / Examples |
---|---|
parameter |
Used in scientific, mathematical, and technical contexts to describe a numerical or measurable factor that defines a system or sets the conditions of its operation.
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element |
Used to describe a basic part of something more complex, can be used in various fields like chemistry, design, or general discussion.
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component |
Refers to a part or element of a larger system or machine, often used in engineering and technology.
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part |
A general term that can be used in numerous contexts to describe a piece of something bigger, often used in everyday conversation.
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Examples of usage
- In the sentence 'She runs quickly,' 'quickly' is an adverbial parameter.
- Adjectives and adverbs are common parameters in language.
Translations
Translations of the word "parameter" in other languages:
🇵🇹 parâmetro
🇮🇳 पैरामीटर
🇩🇪 Parameter
🇮🇩 parameter
🇺🇦 параметр
🇵🇱 parametr
🇯🇵 パラメータ
🇫🇷 paramètre
🇪🇸 parámetro
🇹🇷 parametre
🇰🇷 매개변수
🇸🇦 معامل
🇨🇿 parametr
🇸🇰 parameter
🇨🇳 参数
🇸🇮 parameter
🇮🇸 breyta
🇰🇿 параметр
🇬🇪 პარამეტრი
🇦🇿 parametr
🇲🇽 parámetro
Etymology
The word 'parameter' originates from the Greek word 'parametros', which means 'alongside' or 'around'. It was first used in the field of mathematics to describe a variable that determines the characteristics of a system. Over time, the term has been adopted in various fields such as computing, linguistics, and statistics, with each discipline giving it a unique interpretation.