deterministic
/dɪˌtɜː.mɪˈnɪs.tɪk/ IELTSAcademic
adjective
Deterministic describes a system, process, or idea where the result is fixed by earlier conditions or rules. If you know the starting point, you can predict the outcome.
- The model is deterministic under these settings.
- A deterministic process always gives the same result.
- His approach to life felt highly deterministic.
Adinary Nuance
Deterministic is closer to “fixed by rules” than to everyday words like predictable or certain. Use predictable when something is easy to guess, and certain when you are sure. Use deterministic when the result is controlled by causes, rules, or a system.
In other languages
- Vietnamese
- mang tính tất định
- Spanish
- determinista
- Chinese
- 确定性的
- Japanese
- 決定論的な
- Korean
- 결정론적인
Etymology
Deterministic comes from determine, from Latin determinare, meaning “to limit” or “to set boundaries.” The modern word grew in science and philosophy in the 19th century.
Common phrases
deterministic modeldeterministic systemdeterministic processdeterministic algorithm
Synonyms
Related words
Frequently asked questions
- Is deterministic the same as predictable?
- Not exactly. Predictable means easy to guess. Deterministic means the result follows fixed rules or causes.
- Is deterministic used in science and computing?
- Yes. It is common in science, mathematics, and computer science.
- Is deterministic a formal word?
- Yes. It is more formal and technical than most everyday words.
- What is the opposite of deterministic?
- A common opposite is probabilistic, where outcomes may vary.