Indeterminant vs. Indeterminate — Which is Correct Spelling?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Sumaia Saeed — Updated on April 16, 2024
Indeterminant is the incorrect spelling of indeterminate, which means not precisely known, established, or defined.
Table of Contents
Which is correct: Indeterminant or Indeterminate
How to spell Indeterminate?
Indeterminant
Incorrect Spelling
Indeterminate
Correct Spelling
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Key Differences
Remember "indeterminate" contains the suffix "-ate," which is often found in adjectives suggesting a state or condition.
Associate the spelling with "determinate," then add the prefix "in-" for negation.
"Indeterminate" aligns with similar words like "intermediate" and "approximate," helping maintain consistent spelling patterns.
Recall the mathematical usage of "indeterminate," which frequently appears in calculus and algebra.
Use "in-" for negation and "-ate" for adjectival suffix, noting that the correct form combines these familiar components.
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How Do You Spell Indeterminate Correctly?
Incorrect: His future as a player is still indeterminant.
Correct: His future as a player is still indeterminate.
Incorrect: His expression was indeterminant.
Correct: His expression was indeterminate.
Incorrect: The cause of the accident is indeterminant at this time.
Correct: The cause of the accident is indeterminate at this time.
Incorrect: The length of the meeting remains indeterminant.
Correct: The length of the meeting remains indeterminate.
Incorrect: The final score remained indeterminant.
Correct: The final score remained indeterminate.
Indeterminate Definitions
Unable to be conclusively determined: Such as a value or result in mathematics.
In calculus, certain limits are considered indeterminate, requiring special methods to solve.
Not fixed or limited; vague: Applies to situations where details are unclear or unconfirmed.
The boundaries of the ancient city remain indeterminate.
Uncertain or not clearly defined: Often used to describe abstract concepts or quantities.
The indeterminate nature of her feelings made the relationship complicated.
Indefinite in extent or duration: Refers to something that does not have a clear end or limit.
They entered into an agreement with an indeterminate duration.
Not exactly known, established, or defined
The date of manufacture is indeterminate
The carpet is an indeterminate dull shade
(of a shoot) not having all the axes terminating in a flower bud and so potentially of indefinite length.
Not precisely determined, determinable, or established
A person of indeterminate age.
Not precisely fixed, as to extent, size, nature, or number
An indeterminate number of plant species in the jungle.
Lacking clarity or precision, as in meaning; vague
An indeterminate turn of phrase.
Not fixed or known in advance
An indeterminate future.
Not leading up to a definite result or ending
An indeterminate campaign.
(Botany) Not terminating in a flower and continuing to grow at the apex
An indeterminate inflorescence.
(Mathematics) Having more than one variable and an infinite number of solutions, such as the equation 5x2 + 3y = 10.
Not accurately determined or determinable.
Imprecise or vague.
Not definitively or precisely determined, because of the presence of infinity or zero symbols used in any of several improper combinations.
With no genetically defined end, and thus theoretically limitless.
Not topped with some form of terminal bud.
(architecture) Designed to allow the incorporation of future changes whose nature is not yet known.
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.
Not determinate; not certain or fixed; indefinite; not precise; as, an indeterminate number of years.
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
Having a capacity for continuing to grow at the apex;
An indeterminate stem
Of uncertain or ambiguous nature;
The equivocal (or indeterminate) objects painted by surrealists
Not capable of being determined;
The indeterminate number of plant species in the jungle
Not leading to a definite ending or result;
An indeterminate campaign
Not precisely known or established: Lacking exact limits or boundaries.
The artist's new project has an indeterminate completion date.
Indeterminate Meaning in a Sentence
She left the date of her return indeterminate.
The duration of the project is indeterminate.
His status as leader is still indeterminate.
The size of the crowd was indeterminate.
The indeterminate shapes in his paintings add a sense of mystery.
The outcome of the game seemed indeterminate.
His reaction was oddly indeterminate.
The number of guests coming to the party is indeterminate.
The effects of the new policy are largely indeterminate.
The extent of the damage was indeterminate.
The cost of the renovation remains indeterminate.
The depth of the lake is indeterminate.
The budget for the project is somewhat indeterminate.
The indeterminate weather made planning difficult.
Their feelings about the move were indeterminate.
The end of the story was deliberately left indeterminate.
The future of the technology is indeterminate.
The start time for the meeting is indeterminate.
The length of the performance is somewhat indeterminate.
The schedule for next week's event is still indeterminate.
The indeterminate colors blended beautifully on the canvas.
The exact cause of the error is indeterminate.
Their support for the proposal is indeterminate.
He has an indeterminate term of office.
The species of the discovered plant is indeterminate.
Indeterminate Idioms & Phrases
Indeterminate nature
The inherent uncertainty or indefinability of something.
The indeterminate nature of quantum physics makes it a challenging field of study.
Indeterminate results
Outcomes that cannot be predicted or concluded definitively.
The experiment produced indeterminate results that puzzled the scientists.
Leave indeterminate
To intentionally not specify or conclude.
The author chose to leave the novel's ending indeterminate.
Indeterminate period
A length of time that has not been specified or limited.
He was sentenced to an indeterminate period of probation.
Indeterminate boundaries
Borders or limits that are not clearly defined.
The two countries are disputing the indeterminate boundaries in the region.
Become indeterminate
To move from a state of clarity to one of uncertainty.
As the discussion progressed, their objectives became indeterminate.
Indeterminate answer
A response that does not give a clear conclusion or result.
The politician gave an indeterminate answer to the question about his plans.
In an indeterminate state
In a condition that is not clearly defined or decided.
The project is currently in an indeterminate state, waiting for more data.
Remain indeterminate
To stay undefined or unclear over time.
The exact number of species in the rainforest remains indeterminate.
Hold an indeterminate position
To have a role that is not clearly defined or is flexible.
She holds an indeterminate position within the company, handling various tasks as needed.
Indeterminate amount
A quantity that is not exactly specified or known.
They have allocated an indeterminate amount of funds for the project.
Indeterminate status
A status that is not clearly defined or is pending finalization.
The legal status of the new settlers remains indeterminate.
Indeterminate quality
A characteristic or property that cannot be exactly defined or measured.
The indeterminate quality of the vintage wine makes it unique.
Indeterminate decision
A choice that has not been firmly made or declared.
Management's indeterminate decision left the employees feeling uncertain.
Indeterminate future
A future that is uncertain or not clearly mapped out.
The industry faces an indeterminate future due to rapid technological changes.
Indeterminate range
A span that does not have set limits or extents.
The missile system is said to have an indeterminate range.
Indeterminate identity
An identity that is not clearly established or recognized.
The artist is known for works that feature figures with indeterminate identity.
Indeterminate condition
A state that is not clearly defined or is subject to change.
The patient is in an indeterminate condition, requiring further tests.
Indeterminate duration
A period without a specified end time.
The contract allows for an indeterminate duration of renewal.
With indeterminate effect
Having an impact that is not clearly ascertainable or predictable.
The new law has been implemented with indeterminate effect so far.
Common Curiosities
Why is it called indeterminate?
It is called "indeterminate" because it derives from the Latin roots meaning 'not' (in-) and 'to determine' (determinare), reflecting something that cannot be clearly defined or decided.
How many syllables are in indeterminate?
There are 5 syllables in "indeterminate."
How is indeterminate used in a sentence?
"Indeterminate" is used to describe something that is not clearly defined, limited, or established in a sentence.
How do we divide indeterminate into syllables?
Indeterminate is divided into syllables as: in-de-ter-mi-nate.
What is the verb form of indeterminate?
The related verb form would be "determine," with "indeterminate" being an adjective.
What is the singular form of indeterminate?
The singular form of "indeterminate" is "indeterminate."
What is a stressed syllable in indeterminate?
The stressed syllable in "indeterminate" is "ter."
What is the pronunciation of indeterminate?
Indeterminate is pronounced as /ˌɪnˈdɛtərmɪnɪt/.
What is the root word of indeterminate?
The root word of "indeterminate" is "determinate," with the prefix "in-" indicating negation.
What part of speech is indeterminate?
"Indeterminate" is an adjective.
Is indeterminate an abstract noun?
"Indeterminate" is an adjective, not a noun.
Is indeterminate a vowel or consonant?
The word "indeterminate" begins with a vowel sound.
Is the word “indeterminate” a Direct object or an Indirect object?
"Indeterminate" is an adjective and does not serve as a direct or indirect object.
Is indeterminate a countable noun?
"Indeterminate" is an adjective, not a countable noun.
Is the word indeterminate Gerund?
No, "indeterminate" is an adjective, not a gerund.
Which determiner is used with indeterminate?
Appropriate determiners for "indeterminate" could be "an," "the," or possessive forms depending on context.
Which vowel is used before indeterminate?
The vowel "i" is used at the start of "indeterminate."
Which preposition is used with indeterminate?
Common prepositions used with "indeterminate" can include "of," "in," and "for" depending on the context.
What is another term for indeterminate?
Another term for "indeterminate" could be "undefined" or "uncertain."
What is the plural form of indeterminate?
"Indeterminate" as an adjective does not have a plural form.
What is the opposite of indeterminate?
The opposite of "indeterminate" is "determinate," meaning clearly defined or established.
Is indeterminate an adverb?
No, "indeterminate" is not an adverb.
Is indeterminate a negative or positive word?
"Indeterminate" is neutral, often context-dependent but typically leans towards a negative connotation when uncertainty is undesirable.
Is the indeterminate term a metaphor?
"Indeterminate" can function metaphorically in some contexts, symbolizing uncertainty or lack of clarity.
Is indeterminate a noun or adjective?
"Indeterminate" is an adjective.
Is indeterminate a collective noun?
No, "indeterminate" is not a collective noun.
Is the word indeterminate imperative?
No, "indeterminate" is an adjective, not used in the imperative mood.
Which conjunction is used with indeterminate?
Conjunctions are not specifically used with "indeterminate"; it depends on the sentence structure.
Which article is used with indeterminate?
The indefinite article "an" is used before "indeterminate" due to the initial vowel sound.
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Written by
Sumaia Saeed
Edited 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.
