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.
Detective can't determine which of 8 paths to take - indeterminate choice!
When coordinates are indeterminate, even intermediate points fluctuate!
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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
Synonyms
Antonyms
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