What does heuristic mean Meaning and Definition

Pronunciation

/’hjuːrɪstɪk/

Part of Speech

Noun

Definition

A heuristic is a mental shortcut or a decision-making rule that helps make decisions or solve problems, often relying on experience, intuition, or simplifications rather than rigorous analysis or formal logic.

Examples

The developer used a heuristic to determine the optimal solution to the problem.
The investment strategy employed a heuristic to balance risk and reward.

Synonyms

Rule of thumb
Ad Hoc
Intuition

Antonyms

Formal logic
Rigorous analysis
Systematic approach

Etymology

The word “heuristic” comes from the Greek word “heuriskos” (εὑρίσκος), meaning ” discovery” or “finding. It was first used in the 17th century to describe methods for finding solutions to mathematical problems.

Usage Notes

Heuristics are often used in areas such as decision-making, problem-solving, and optimization, but they can also be seen as a shortcut or a simplification that may not always lead to the optimal solution. It is essential to carefully consider the limitations and potential biases of heuristics when applying them.

Cultural References

The term “heuristic” has been referenced in several films and TV shows, including “The Da Vinci Code” and “The Simpsons.”

Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases

“Thinking outside the box” is an idiomatic expression that relies on a heuristic to encourage creative thinking and problem-solving.

Related Words or Phrases

Algorithm
Intuition
Mental shortcut
Solution-finding

Collocations

Exhaustive search vs. heuristic search
Systematic approach vs. heuristic approach

Frequency of Use

The word “heuristic” is commonly used in academic and professional contexts, particularly in fields such as computer science, decision analysis, and cognitive psychology. It is also gaining popularity in popular culture, especially in discussions about decision-making and problem-solving.

Common Misspellings

Heuristic meaning
What does heuristic mean
Heuristic approach vs. formal approach