noun

heuristic

hyoo-RIS-tik

Heuristic (noun) means a practical rule of thumb that lets someone reach a workable answer quickly, without guaranteeing it is the best one. Example: “A useful heuristic is to assume any task will take twice as long as you think.”

noun

A practical rule of thumb that lets someone reach a workable answer quickly, without guaranteeing it is the best one.

"A useful heuristic is to assume any task will take twice as long as you think."

"Investors lean on heuristics because they cannot analyse every option."

adjective

Using trial, experience and approximation to find a good-enough solution rather than working through every possibility.

"The router uses a heuristic algorithm to pick a route in milliseconds."

formal Encouraging people to learn by investigating and discovering things for themselves.

"The course takes a heuristic approach, giving students problems before methods."

How to Use Heuristic

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA rough rule that usually gets you a good enough answer fast.

When to use it

Formal and academic, but common in design, computing and business writing.

Memory tip

Heuristic and eureka share the same Greek root meaning to find.

Trace the full origin ↓

Easily confused with

algorithm → bias → hermeneutic

Common pairings

useful heuristic heuristic approach availability heuristic heuristic evaluation

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Fill the Gap

Can you complete this real example?

A useful _____ is to assume any task will take twice as long as you think.

Etymology

From Greek heuriskein 'to find, discover', the same root as eureka.

Origin: Greek

Synonyms

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rule of thumb shortcut approximation guideline

Antonyms

exhaustive algorithmic

Related Words

law policy rule detailed comprehensive instruction intensive thorough

Rhymes for heuristic

holistic sadistic artistic autistic logistic statistic realistic ballistic hedonistic linguistic futuristic optimistic

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a heuristic and an algorithm?

An algorithm follows fixed steps and, if correct, always produces the right answer. A heuristic trades that guarantee for speed: it usually gets close enough, but it can fail. Chess engines use both, an exact search where it is affordable and heuristics elsewhere.

What is a heuristic in psychology?

A mental shortcut people use to judge situations quickly, such as assuming something is common because examples come easily to mind. These shortcuts work well most of the time but produce predictable biases.

How do you pronounce heuristic?

hyoo-RIS-tik, with the stress on the second syllable. The h is pronounced, and the start rhymes with the beginning of human.

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