“Indeterminable” and “indeterminate” are two words that can be easily confused due to their similar roots. However, they have distinct meanings and are used in different contexts. This lesson will define each term and provide examples to clarify their proper usage.
Indeterminable
Definition:
“Indeterminable” means something that is impossible to fix, measure, or decide. It refers to situations or outcomes that cannot be precisely determined or resolved.
Examples of use:
“The impact on the number of applications is indeterminable at this stage due to the lack of data.”
“The exact time of the event’s occurrence is indeterminable because of conflicting witness statements.”
“Given the complexity of the situation, the total cost remains indeterminable.”
Indeterminate
Definition:
“Indeterminate” means something that is vague, unclear, or not precisely defined. It refers to things that lack a clear or definite boundary, outcome, or meaning.
Examples of use:
“Objects with indeterminate boundaries are difficult to model accurately in a simulation.”
“The results of the experiment were indeterminate, leaving the researchers uncertain about the findings.”
“Her indeterminate expression made it hard to tell whether she was pleased or disappointed.”
While “indeterminable” refers to something that cannot be precisely measured or decided, “indeterminate” describes something that is unclear, vague, or not well-defined. Understanding the difference between these terms is crucial for using them correctly in various contexts.
