Meaning & use
heuristic
Last updated
Relating to a practical method or mental shortcut used to solve problems or make decisions quickly, even if it isn't guaranteed to be perfect.
See it in a sentence
Chess players often rely on heuristic rules of thumb rather than calculating every possible move.
The app uses a heuristic approach to guess which songs you'll like.
A note on using this word
Frequently used as a noun as well, meaning the shortcut method itself, as in 'a useful heuristic for estimating cost.'
Another way to use it
2. noun
A mental shortcut or rule of thumb used to make judgments or solve problems efficiently.
'If it seems too good to be true, it probably is' is a common heuristic.
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