uncertainty English · revision 10417

+ {{infobox|confidence=established|formation=derivation|attested=c. 1380|origins=en uncertain}}

+

+ ==Pronunciation==

+ * IPA: /ʌnˈsɜːtənti/ ''(UK)''; /ʌnˈsɝtənti/ ''(US)''^(Wiktionary)

+

+ ==Etymology==

+ It is Middle English uncertainte, from [[uncertain]] with the suffix -ty,^(Etymonline)^(MWU 2024) or from [[un-]] and [[certainty]].^(SOED 2002)

+

+ ==Earliest recorded meaning==

+ The state of not being definitely known, doubtfulness: about 1380;^(OED 1989) the quality of being uncertain in duration or result, 1382.^(OED 1989)

+

+ ==Semantic evolution==

+ Something not definitely known, a doubtful point, is from 1387,^(OED 1989) and a state of doubt in the mind, irresolution, from 1548.^(OED 1989) Something uncertain in occurrence is from 1619.^(OED 1989) In law, a deed void ''for uncertainty'' is from 1818.^(OED 1989) In science, the estimated amount by which a value may differ from the true value is a later sense.^(AHD)

+

+ ==Timeline==

+ * c. 1380 – doubtfulness.^(OED 1989)

+ * 1382 – uncertain duration.^(OED 1989)

+ * 1387 – a doubtful point.^(OED 1989)

+ * 1548 – a state of doubt.^(OED 1989)

+ * 1818 – void for uncertainty.^(OED 1989)

+

+ ==Modern meaning==

+ ===Noun===

+ # The state of being uncertain; [[doubt]].^(AHD)^(Collins 2023)

+ # Something uncertain.^(AHD)^(Collins 2023)

+ # ''(science)'' The estimated amount by which a measured or calculated value may differ from the true value.^(AHD)

+

+ ==Word family==

+ * [[Heisenberg uncertainty principle]]

+ * [[uncertainty principle]]

+

+ ==Related words==

+ * [[uncertain]]

+ * [[certainty]]

+ * [[certain]]

+ * [[doubt]]

+

+ ==References==

+ {{reflist}}