Determinate vs. Indeterminate — What's the Difference?
By Urooj Arif & Maham Liaqat — Updated on May 9, 2024
Determinate refers to having fixed limits or a definite end, while indeterminate implies lacking clear limits or an undefined endpoint.
Difference Between Determinate and Indeterminate
Table of Contents
ADVERTISEMENT
Key Differences
Determinate is used to describe situations, conditions, or objects that have clearly defined limits or conclusions. On the other hand, indeterminate describes situations or conditions where limits are not defined or conclusions are uncertain.
In mathematics, a determinate problem has a specific solution or a finite number of solutions. Conversely, an indeterminate problem might have infinite solutions or none that can be specifically defined without additional information.
In the context of plants, determinate varieties, like some tomato plants, grow to a certain height and stop, focusing then on fruit production. Meanwhile, indeterminate varieties continue to grow and produce fruit over a longer period without a fixed growth limit.
A legal judgment that is determinate will have a clear outcome based on established laws and facts. In contrast, an indeterminate judgment may depend on interpretations or conditions that are not clearly specified, leading to potential changes in the future.
In literature, a determinate ending resolves the main plot lines and questions, providing closure. Indeterminate endings leave more questions unanswered, allowing for multiple interpretations or continuations.
ADVERTISEMENT
Comparison Chart
Definition
Having clear, defined limits or a definite end.
Lacking clear boundaries or not clearly defined.
Examples in Nature
Growth of determinate plants stops at a certain point.
Indeterminate plants grow continuously.
Mathematics
Problems with finite, specific solutions.
Problems that may have infinite solutions or require more data.
Literature
Endings that tie up all loose ends.
Endings that leave room for interpretation or continuation.
Legal Context
Judgments with a clear, unambiguous outcome.
Judgments that may evolve based on interpretation or new information.
Compare with Definitions
Determinate
Having a fixed limit or definite size.
Determinate sentences in prison have a specific duration.
Indeterminate
In mathematics, having an infinite number of solutions or requiring more information to solve.
The equation proved indeterminate without additional constraints.
Determinate
Conclusively decided or settled.
The determinate outcome of the trial left no room for doubt.
Indeterminate
Not exactly known, established, or defined.
The duration of the project is indeterminate due to fluctuating factors.
Determinate
Having a definite conclusion or resolution.
The story had a determinate ending, resolving all conflicts.
Indeterminate
Biology: Having the capacity to grow indefinitely.
Indeterminate tomatoes continue producing fruit throughout the growing season.
Determinate
Biology: Describing growth that stops after reaching a certain stage.
Determinate plants are ideal for containers because they do not require much space.
Indeterminate
Having no clear limits or boundaries.
Indeterminate sentences can vary widely depending on behavior and reviews.
Determinate
Limited to a particular duration or amount.
The project was given a determinate timeframe of six months.
Indeterminate
Lacking a clear or predictable outcome.
The novel ended on an indeterminate note, leaving readers speculating about the future.
Determinate
Precisely limited or defined; definite
A determinate number.
A determinate distance.
Indeterminate
Not exactly known, established, or defined
The date of manufacture is indeterminate
The carpet is an indeterminate dull shade
Determinate
Conclusively settled; final.
Indeterminate
(of a shoot) not having all the axes terminating in a flower bud and so potentially of indefinite length.
Determinate
Firm in purpose; resolute.
Indeterminate
Not precisely determined, determinable, or established
A person of indeterminate age.
Determinate
Terminating in a flower and blooming in a sequence beginning with the uppermost or central flower
A determinate inflorescence.
Indeterminate
Not precisely fixed, as to extent, size, nature, or number
An indeterminate number of plant species in the jungle.
Determinate
Not continuing indefinitely at the tip of an axis
Determinate growth.
Indeterminate
Lacking clarity or precision, as in meaning; vague
An indeterminate turn of phrase.
Determinate
Distinct, clearly defined.
Indeterminate
Not fixed or known in advance
An indeterminate future.
Determinate
Fixed, set, unvarying.
Indeterminate
Not leading up to a definite result or ending
An indeterminate campaign.
Determinate
(biology) Of growth: ending once a genetically predetermined structure has formed.
Indeterminate
(Botany) Not terminating in a flower and continuing to grow at the apex
An indeterminate inflorescence.
Determinate
Conclusive; decisive; positive.
Indeterminate
(Mathematics) Having more than one variable and an infinite number of solutions, such as the equation 5x2 + 3y = 10.
Determinate
(obsolete) Determined or resolved upon.
Indeterminate
Not accurately determined or determinable.
Determinate
Of determined purpose; resolute.
Indeterminate
Imprecise or vague.
Determinate
(philosophy) A single state of a particular determinable attribute.
Indeterminate
Not definitively or precisely determined, because of the presence of infinity or zero symbols used in any of several improper combinations.
Determinate
(obsolete) To bring to an end; to determine.
Indeterminate
With no genetically defined end, and thus theoretically limitless.
Determinate
Having defined limits; not uncertain or arbitrary; fixed; established; definite.
Quantity of words and a determinate number of feet.
Indeterminate
Not topped with some form of terminal bud.
Determinate
Conclusive; decisive; positive.
The determinate counsel and foreknowledge of God.
Indeterminate
(architecture) Designed to allow the incorporation of future changes whose nature is not yet known.
Determinate
Determined or resolved upon.
My determinate voyage.
Indeterminate
A symbol that resembles a variable or parameter but is used purely formally and neither signifies nor is ever assigned a particular value;
(loose sense) a variable.
(loose sense) a variable.
Determinate
Of determined purpose; resolute.
More determinate to do than skillful how to do.
Indeterminate
Not determinate; not certain or fixed; indefinite; not precise; as, an indeterminate number of years.
Determinate
To bring to an end; to determine. See Determine.
The sly, slow hours shall not determinateThe dateless limit of thy dear exile.
Indeterminate
Not precisely determined or established; not fixed or known in advance;
Of indeterminate age
A zillion is a large indeterminate number
An indeterminate point of law
The influence of environment is indeterminate
An indeterminate future
Determinate
Precisely determined or limited or defined; especially fixed by rule or by a specific and constant cause;
A determinate distance
A determinate number
Determinate variations in animals
Indeterminate
Having a capacity for continuing to grow at the apex;
An indeterminate stem
Determinate
Not continuing to grow indefinitely at the apex;
Determinate growth
Indeterminate
Of uncertain or ambiguous nature;
The equivocal (or indeterminate) objects painted by surrealists
Determinate
Supplying or being a final or conclusive settlement;
A definitive verdict
A determinate answer to the problem
Indeterminate
Not capable of being determined;
The indeterminate number of plant species in the jungle
Indeterminate
Not leading to a definite ending or result;
An indeterminate campaign
Common Curiosities
What is the difference between determinate and indeterminate plants?
Determinate plants grow to a fixed size then stop, whereas indeterminate plants continue to grow and produce indefinitely.
How do determinate and indeterminate apply in mathematics?
Determinate problems have specific solutions, while indeterminate problems may need additional data or have infinite solutions.
What does determinate mean?
Determinate refers to having specific limits or a definite end.
What does indeterminate mean?
Indeterminate implies lacking definite limits or not being clearly defined.
Why is it important to know if a plant is determinate or indeterminate?
It helps in planning the garden space and understanding the growth and fruiting timeline.
How can an ending in literature be indeterminate?
Indeterminate endings are open-ended, allowing multiple interpretations or potential for further story development.
Can a legal judgment be both determinate and indeterminate?
A judgment initially might be determinate but can become indeterminate if new factors or interpretations arise.
What are examples of determinate decisions?
Decisions with a clear and final outcome, such as a fixed-term contract.
How do determinate and indeterminate sentences differ?
Determinate sentences have a fixed duration, while indeterminate sentences vary based on reviews and behavior.
What makes a mathematical equation indeterminate?
An equation is indeterminate if it has multiple or infinite potential solutions, often requiring additional constraints to solve.
Is an indeterminate outcome always undesirable?
Not necessarily; it can provide flexibility and adaptability in certain contexts.
Share Your Discovery
Previous Comparison
Headlight vs. Lighthouse
Next Comparison
Alphabet vs. WordAuthor Spotlight
Written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
Co-written by
Maham Liaqat
