What does "heuristics" mean?
plural of heuristic
Heuristics
/hjuˈɹɪstɪks/ noun
noun ·Rare ·Advanced level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: plural of heuristic
- Grammar: heuristics is listed as noun.
- Nearest alternatives: approximate method, cognitive shortcut, empirical rule, mental shortcut.
- Useful contrasts: algorithm, exact algorithm, exhaustive analysis.
- Usage evidence: Heuristics is a search performed through analytical reasoning.
How to use "heuristics"
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Meaning check
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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 "heuristics" in a final draft.
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Before you rely on this definition
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Definition decision workflow
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Final meaning check
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Definitions
Noun
- 1 plural of heuristic form-of, plural
- 2 The study of heuristic methods and principles. plural, plural-only
- 3 Heuristic methods and approaches considered collectively. plural, plural-only
"Problem solving based on experience of working with other problems which share some characteristics of the current problem, but for which no algorithm is known. Good heuristics can reduce the time needed to solve problems by recognizing which possible approaches are unlikely to be successful. George Polya brought the notion of heuristics to a wide audience through his book How To Solve It. The second edition was published in 1957 and is still in print half a century later."
- 4 Simple, efficient rules which people often use to form judgments and make decisions. broadly, plural, plural-only
- 5 Experience-based methods used to reduce the need for calculations pertaining to equipment size, performance, or operating conditions. broadly, plural, plural-only
Synonyms
All synonyms approximate methodcognitive shortcutempirical rulemental shortcutrule of thumb
Antonyms
Example
"Heuristics is a search performed through analytical reasoning."
Common questions
What is a synonym for "heuristics"?
Common synonyms include: approximate method, cognitive shortcut, empirical rule, mental shortcut, rule of thumb.
How do you use "heuristics" in a sentence?
Heuristics is a search performed through analytical reasoning.
How do you pronounce "heuristics"?
Pronounced /hjuˈɹɪstɪks/.
Etymology
From heuristic, from German heuristisch, from New Latin heuristicus by irregular formation from Ancient Greek εὑρίσκω (heurískō, “I discover”).