What does "heuristic" mean?
A heuristic method.
Heuristic
/hjuˈɹɪstɪk/ adj, noun
adj, noun ·Moderate ·High school level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: A heuristic method.
- Grammar: heuristic is listed as adj, noun.
- Nearest alternatives: adages, analytic, analytical, approximate.
- Useful contrasts: non-heuristic, academic logician, algorithmic.
- Usage evidence: In computer science, a method of investigation based on the progressive approximation of a problem is called a heuristic.
How to use "heuristic"
- Start with the primary definition, then check the part of speech before placing the word in a sentence.
- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "heuristic" carries the exact meaning, tone, and strength you need.
- Use the example sentence as a context check. If your sentence uses the word differently, confirm that the grammar still fits.
Meaning check
- Does the word fit the sentence's grammar?
- Does it match the intended tone rather than only the dictionary definition?
- Would a simpler synonym be clearer for the reader?
- Is there enough surrounding context to prevent ambiguity?
Source and review context
This entry combines structured lexical data with WordToolSet review checks. Definitions, examples, synonyms, and usage notes may come from different source tables, so the page is designed to show evidence from more than one angle before you rely on "heuristic" in a final draft.
If a word has several senses, prefer the sense that matches your sentence's grammar and surrounding context. A correct definition can still be the wrong choice when the sentence needs a different register, emphasis, or level of specificity.
Before you rely on this definition
Read the first definition as a starting point, then check the example, synonyms, and part of speech before treating "heuristic" as the right word for your sentence.
If your draft is formal, technical, persuasive, or sensitive, compare "heuristic" with a nearby alternative so the final choice matches both meaning and reader expectation.
Compare nearby meanings
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- Use antonyms to check the boundary of the meaning and avoid accidental contrast.
- Use the example sentence to confirm the word behaves naturally in context.
- Keep the original wording when a replacement adds complexity without improving precision.
Definition decision workflow
1. Identify the role
Check whether "heuristic" is acting as adj, noun in your sentence. A definition is only useful when the grammar matches the way the word is being used.
2. Test the nearest option
Compare it with "adages" and other nearby choices to see whether the sentence needs a softer, stronger, or more familiar word.
3. Confirm with context
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Final meaning check
Before publishing a sentence with "heuristic", ask whether the word helps the reader understand the idea faster. A precise word should reduce confusion, not simply make the sentence look more polished.
When the definition, synonym evidence, and example context point in the same direction, the word is usually a safer choice. When they conflict, revise the sentence or choose a clearer alternative.
Definitions
Noun
- 1 A heuristic method.
- 2 a commonsense rule (or set of rules) intended to increase the probability of solving some problem wordnet
- 3 The art of applying heuristic methods.
- 4 A heuristic algorithm or method.
Adjective
- 1 That employs a practical method not guaranteed to be optimal or perfect; either not following or derived from any theory, or based on an advisedly oversimplified one.
""The heuristic appraisal is the 'identification and evaluation of hints and clues that can provide direction to inquiry in the sometimes large gap between the extremes of complete knowledge and complete ignorance'”."
- 2 That provides a useful, but not optimal, solution to a problem. Such algorithms are typically employed either because the only known algorithms that provide optimal solutions use too much time or resources, or else because there is no known algorithm that provides an optimal solution.
"If a heuristic algorithm works for most of the input data or its maximum percentage error is tolerable, we may prefer the heuristic algorithm to an optimum algorithm that requires a long time."
- 3 That reasons from the value of a method or principle that has been shown by experimental investigation to be a useful aid in learning, discovery and problem-solving.
Adjective
- 1 of or relating to or using a general formulation that serves to guide investigation wordnet
Synonyms
All synonymsAntonyms
Example
"In computer science, a method of investigation based on the progressive approximation of a problem is called a heuristic."
Common questions
What is a synonym for "heuristic"?
Common synonyms include: adages, analytic, analytical, approximate, approximate logic, approximate method.
How do you use "heuristic" in a sentence?
In computer science, a method of investigation based on the progressive approximation of a problem is called a heuristic.
How do you pronounce "heuristic"?
Pronounced /hjuˈɹɪstɪk/.
Etymology
Irregular formation from Ancient Greek εὑρίσκω (heurískō, “I find, discover”) (compare the proper Greek term εὑρετικός (heuretikós)).