indeterminate — not exactly known, established, or defined; not clearly fixed or decided
Part of speech: ADJECTIVE
Definition: not exactly known, established, or defined; not clearly fixed or decided
Pronunciation (IPA): /ˌɪndɪˈtɜːrmɪnət/
Example Sentences
- My cat's age is indeterminate since I found him as a stray.
- The test results were indeterminate, so we need to run them again.
- He gave an indeterminate answer that confused everyone.
indeterminate
ADJECTIVE[/ˌɪndɪˈtɜːrmɪnət/]
not exactly known, established, or defined; not clearly fixed or decided
The lab results were indeterminate, leaving the doctor unable to give a clear answer.
IN(not) + TERMIN(end) + ATE(state) — falling into a state(ATE) with IN(no) visible TERMIN(end), the depth of the dark hole was completely indeterminate.
Trying to accurately estimate the number of stars, the astronomer quickly realized the vast galaxy was entirely indeterminate.
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
From Latin 'indeterminatus', composed of the prefix 'in-' (not) and 'determinatus' (determined, fixed), derived from 'determinare' meaning to limit or fix boundaries.
Breakdown
in- (not) + determine (to fix or settle) + -ate (adjective suffix) = indeterminate (not fixed or settled)
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“My cat's age is indeterminate since I found him as a stray.”
“The test results were indeterminate, so we need to run them again.”
“He gave an indeterminate answer that confused everyone.”
“The pizza delivery time was indeterminate during the storm.”
📚Related Words
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