noun

parameters

puh-RAM-ih-tuhz

Parameters (noun) means the limits or boundaries that define what is allowed or possible in a situation; the terms you have to work within. Plural of parameter. Example: “Stay within the parameters we agreed with the client.”

noun

The limits or boundaries that define what is allowed or possible in a situation; the terms you have to work within. Plural of parameter.

"Stay within the parameters we agreed with the client."

"The brief sets very tight parameters on budget and timing."

In computing, the values passed into a function, command or program that determine how it behaves.

"The function takes three parameters: a file path, a mode and a callback."

"You can override the default parameters in the config file."

In mathematics and statistics, quantities that are held constant for a particular case but that change from case to case, and which define a family of curves, a distribution or a model.

"A normal distribution is fully described by two parameters, its mean and its standard deviation."

"The model has 70 billion parameters."

How to Use Parameters

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishThe limits you have to work within, or the settings that control how something behaves.

When to use it

Neutral; the 'limits' sense can sound like management jargon if overused.

Memory tip

The singular is parameter; do not write 'a parameters'. Stress the second syllable: puh-RAM-ih-tuh.

Trace the full origin ↓

Easily confused with

perimeter → argument → variable → criterion →

Common pairings

within the parameters set the parameters key parameters default parameters model parameters

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Fill the Gap

Can you complete this real example?

Stay within the _____ we agreed with the client.

Etymology

From Greek para 'beside, alongside' and metron 'measure', by way of modern Latin parametrum in geometry.

Origin: Greek

Synonyms

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limits boundaries constraints terms criteria arguments inputs settings options

Related Words

price damage articles menu criteria preferences specifications terminology

Rhymes for parameters

Peters

See all rhymes for parameters →

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a parameter and an argument?

In programming, a parameter is the named placeholder in the function's definition, while an argument is the actual value you pass in when you call it. The distinction matters in documentation, though people use the two words loosely in conversation.

What is the difference between a parameter and a perimeter?

A perimeter is a physical boundary, the distance around a shape or the edge of an area. A parameter is an abstract limit or a defining value. Saying 'within the perimeters of the agreement' is a common mistake for 'parameters'.

Is it wrong to use parameters to mean limits?

It was once criticised as a misuse borrowed from mathematics, but the sense is now thoroughly established in general English and appears in all major dictionaries. In technical writing, though, keep it for its precise meaning.

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