indeterminate
Indeterminate (adj) means not precisely known, fixed, or decided. Example: “The cause of the fire remains indeterminate.”
How to use indeterminate
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishUnclear, unfixed, or impossible to pin down exactly.
Word forms
more indeterminate comparative, indeterminates plural, most indeterminate superlative
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The cause of the fire remains _____.
Etymology
From in- ("not") + determinate, from Latin determinare ("to limit, fix boundaries").
Synonyms
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Related words
Rhymes for indeterminate
See all rhymes for indeterminate →Frequently asked questions
What does “indeterminate” mean?
The word “indeterminate” means not precisely known, fixed, or decided. In plain terms, unclear, unfixed, or impossible to pin down exactly.
How do you pronounce “indeterminate”?
“Indeterminate” is pronounced ihn-dih-TUR-mih-nuht (/ɪndɪˈtɜː(ɹ)mɪnət/ in IPA).
How do you use “indeterminate” in a sentence?
Here is “indeterminate” used in a sentence: “The cause of the fire remains indeterminate.”
What is another word for “indeterminate”?
Words with a similar meaning to “indeterminate” include indeterminant.
What is the opposite of “indeterminate”?
The opposite of “indeterminate” — its antonyms — is determinate.
What part of speech is “indeterminate”?
“Indeterminate” is an adjective.
Where does the word “indeterminate” come from?
The word “indeterminate” comes from Latin. From in- ("not") + determinate, from Latin determinare ("to limit, fix boundaries").
How many meanings does “indeterminate” have?
“Indeterminate” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: not precisely known, fixed, or decided.