Indefinite vs. Indeterminate — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman & Maham Liaqat — Updated on May 6, 2024
Indefinite refers to something vague or undefined in time, amount, or scope, while indeterminate more specifically implies an inability to determine, calculate, or conclude.
Difference Between Indefinite and Indeterminate
Table of Contents
ADVERTISEMENT
Key Differences
Indefinite typically describes durations, extents, or amounts that are not clearly defined or are boundless, highlighting an unspecified nature, whereas indeterminate emphasizes the uncertainty in pinpointing or establishing exact values or outcomes.
In language, indefinite can refer to linguistic elements that do not specify an exact number, such as indefinite pronouns or articles, while indeterminate often pertains to mathematical or scientific contexts where results cannot be precisely determined or are subject to variability.
The use of indefinite in legal or formal documents usually implies an open-ended duration or an unspecified term, aiming to allow flexibility, while indeterminate can describe situations or conditions where the results or resolutions are not only unknown but also possibly unknowable due to inherent complexities.
In terms of measurements or planning, something described as indefinite might simply lack a set endpoint or timeframe, inviting assumptions of continuation until further notice, whereas something indeterminate could imply essential unpredictability, affecting decision-making processes.
Indefinite often carries a less technical connotation, frequently used in everyday language to imply something that is vague or non-specific, while indeterminate is more likely used in technical or analytical discussions where the lack of precision is a critical issue.
ADVERTISEMENT
Comparison Chart
Definition
Not clearly defined or determined
Impossible to determine or establish precisely
Usage Context
General, everyday language
Technical, scientific, and mathematical contexts
Implication
Vagueness, lack of specificity
Uncertainty, unpredictability
Examples in Language
Indefinite pronouns (anyone, everyone)
Mathematical problems with no specific solution
Common in
Legal terms, linguistic elements
Measurements, scientific calculations
Compare with Definitions
Indefinite
Used to describe unspecific linguistic elements.
Indefinite articles in English include 'a' and 'an'.
Indeterminate
Used to describe uncertain mathematical values.
In calculus, some limits are considered indeterminate forms.
Indefinite
Not clearly defined or determined.
His return to work remains indefinite due to health issues.
Indeterminate
Not leading to a definitive conclusion or result.
The investigation ended with an indeterminate verdict.
Indefinite
Extended indefinitely; without foreseeable end.
They agreed to meet for an indefinite number of sessions.
Indeterminate
Not fixed or limited; undefined.
Indeterminate growth in plants refers to growth that does not have a predetermined limit.
Indefinite
Lacking precise limits or boundaries.
The contract was extended for an indefinite period.
Indeterminate
Variable or subject to change.
The final cost is indeterminate and depends on several factors.
Indefinite
Not clear or certain; vague.
The details of the plan remain indefinite.
Indeterminate
Unable to be ascertained; not exactly known.
The outcome of the experiment was indeterminate.
Indefinite
Lasting for an unknown or unstated length of time
They may face indefinite detention
Indeterminate
Not exactly known, established, or defined
The date of manufacture is indeterminate
The carpet is an indeterminate dull shade
Indefinite
Not clearly expressed or defined; vague
An indefinite number of generations
Indeterminate
(of a shoot) not having all the axes terminating in a flower bud and so potentially of indefinite length.
Indefinite
Unclear; vague.
Indeterminate
Not precisely determined, determinable, or established
A person of indeterminate age.
Indefinite
Lacking precise limits
An indefinite leave of absence.
Indeterminate
Not precisely fixed, as to extent, size, nature, or number
An indeterminate number of plant species in the jungle.
Indefinite
Uncertain; undecided
Indefinite about their plans.
Indeterminate
Lacking clarity or precision, as in meaning; vague
An indeterminate turn of phrase.
Indefinite
Without limit; forever, or until further notice; not definite.
Indeterminate
Not fixed or known in advance
An indeterminate future.
Indefinite
Vague or unclear.
She gave an indefinite answer which nobody really understood.
Indeterminate
Not leading up to a definite result or ending
An indeterminate campaign.
Indefinite
Undecided or uncertain.
I'm still indefinite about what I'm going to study at college.
Indeterminate
(Botany) Not terminating in a flower and continuing to grow at the apex
An indeterminate inflorescence.
Indefinite
(mathematics) Being an integral without specified limits.
Indeterminate
(Mathematics) Having more than one variable and an infinite number of solutions, such as the equation 5x2 + 3y = 10.
Indefinite
(linguistics) Designating an unspecified or unidentified person or thing or group of persons or things
The indefinite article
Indeterminate
Not accurately determined or determinable.
Indefinite
(grammar) A word or phrase that designates an unspecified or unidentified person or thing or group of persons or things.
Indeterminate
Imprecise or vague.
Indefinite
Not definite; not limited, defined, or specified; not explicit; not determined or fixed upon; not precise; uncertain; vague; confused; obscure; as, an indefinite time, plan, etc.
It were to be wished that . . . men would leave off that indefinite way of vouching, "the chymists say this," or "the chymists affirm that."
The time of this last is left indefinite.
Indeterminate
Not definitively or precisely determined, because of the presence of infinity or zero symbols used in any of several improper combinations.
Indefinite
Having no determined or certain limits; large and unmeasured, though not infinite; unlimited; as, indefinite space; the indefinite extension of a straight line.
Though it is not infinite, it may be indefinite; though it is not boundless in itself, it may be so to human comprehension.
Indeterminate
With no genetically defined end, and thus theoretically limitless.
Indefinite
Boundless; infinite.
Indefinite and omnipresent God,Inhabiting eternity.
Indeterminate
Not topped with some form of terminal bud.
Indefinite
Too numerous or variable to make a particular enumeration important; - said of the parts of a flower, and the like. Also, indeterminate.
Indeterminate
(architecture) Designed to allow the incorporation of future changes whose nature is not yet known.
Indefinite
Vague or not clearly defined or stated;
Must you be so indefinite?
Amorphous blots of color having vague and indefinite edges
He would not answer so indefinite a proposal
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.
Indefinite
Not decided or not known;
Were indefinite about their plans
Plans are indefinite
Indeterminate
Not determinate; not certain or fixed; indefinite; not precise; as, an indeterminate number of years.
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
Indeterminate
Having a capacity for continuing to grow at the apex;
An indeterminate stem
Indeterminate
Of uncertain or ambiguous nature;
The equivocal (or indeterminate) objects painted by surrealists
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 does indefinite mean?
Indefinite means not clearly defined or determined, often implying a lack of boundaries in time, amount, or extent.
How does indefinite apply to legal documents?
In legal contexts, indefinite often describes terms or conditions without specific time limits, allowing for flexibility.
What is meant by indeterminate in mathematics?
In mathematics, indeterminate refers to values or expressions that cannot be precisely defined or calculated, like certain limits or results.
What is an example of an indeterminate outcome in science?
An indeterminate outcome in science could be an experimental result that cannot be clearly interpreted due to variable factors.
How are indefinite and indeterminate used differently?
Indefinite is used more broadly to describe unspecified aspects, while indeterminate is typically used in contexts requiring precision, where outcomes cannot be accurately predicted.
Why might a scientist describe a measurement as indeterminate?
A scientist might describe a measurement as indeterminate if it falls within a range of values where precise assessment is impossible due to limitations in measurement accuracy or variability in samples.
How do indefinite and indeterminate differ in practical terms?
Practically, indefinite is often about duration or scope being unspecified, while indeterminate refers more to the inability to determine exact values or outcomes.
Can something be both indefinite and indeterminate?
Yes, something can be both indefinite and indeterminate if it lacks clear boundaries and cannot be precisely determined.
Is indefinite or indeterminate more uncertain?
Indeterminate generally conveys a higher level of uncertainty, as it implies conditions or results that are not just unspecified but also fundamentally unknowable.
What role does indefinite play in communication?
In communication, using indefinite terms allows speakers to remain nonspecific or open-ended, often strategically to maintain flexibility or inclusivity.
Can an indeterminate value be calculated later?
Some indeterminate values may eventually be calculated with more information or advanced techniques, though others may remain inherently uncertain.
How do indeterminate factors affect research?
Indeterminate factors in research can complicate data analysis and interpretation, requiring more robust methods or assumptions to manage uncertainties.
What is the impact of using indefinite language in policies?
Using indefinite language in policies can make them adaptable but may also lead to ambiguity and varied interpretations, affecting consistency and enforcement.
What linguistic elements are considered indefinite?
Indefinite linguistic elements include pronouns like "someone" or "anything" and articles such as "a" or "an," which do not specify precise entities.
What is the significance of indefinite terms in contracts?
Indefinite terms in contracts provide flexibility and adaptability, allowing for adjustments over time without needing constant renegotiation.
Share Your Discovery
Previous Comparison
Pointer vs. Reference
Next Comparison
Sponge vs. StarfishAuthor Spotlight
Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Maham Liaqat
