Reading Theme:
Uncertainty: Definition, Usage & Examples (2 meaning)
Meaning 1：state of doubt (uncertainty)
uncertainty
/ʌnˈsɜːtnti/
n.
The feeling when you don't know what will happen or which choice to make.
state of doubt
➕
/steɪt əv daʊt/
n.
The mental and emotional condition characterized by a lack of sureness about future outcomes or decisions. It is an internal feeling of not knowing.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Root Explanation
un- (not) + certain (sure, fixed) + -ty (state, condition). The state of not being sure.
💡 Mnemonic
UNder a CLOUD, no certainTY about what's ahead. The prefix 'un-' creates the negative meaning.
📖 Example
The long wait for the university admission results was filled with uncertainty and anxiety.
The long wait for the university admission results was filled with uncertainty and anxiety.
🔗 Collocations
uncertainty about – doubt concerning a specific subject
face uncertainty – to confront a situation of not knowing
a period of uncertainty – a time characterized by doubt and unpredictability
🔄 Synonyms
apprehension (n.) – anxiety or fear that something bad might happen
doubt (n.) – a feeling of uncertainty or lack of conviction
ambiguity (n.) – the quality of being open to more than one interpretation
🚫 Antonyms
confidence (n.) – the feeling of being certain about something
assurance (n.) – a positive declaration intended to give confidence
🌱 Derivatives
uncertain (adj.) – not able to be relied on; not known or definite
📖 Cultural Story
The word evolved from Old French 'uncertain' and Latin 'certus' (settled, sure). In modern discourse, 'uncertainty' is a key concept in fields like economics (e.g., 'Knightian uncertainty') and quantum physics, describing a fundamental lack of predictable knowledge.
Meaning 2：situation of doubt (uncertainty)
uncertainty
/ʌnˈsɜːtnti/
n.
A specific situation where the lack of clear information causes worry or stops plans.
situation of doubt
➕
/ˌsɪtʃuˈeɪʃən əv daʊt/
n.
A concrete circumstance or condition marked by a lack of definitive information, which causes practical difficulties, worry, or hinders planning. It refers to the external situation itself.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Example
The ongoing uncertainty about the economy has caused many families to postpone their holiday plans.
The ongoing uncertainty about the economy has caused many families to postpone their holiday plans.
🔗 Collocations
economic uncertainty – a situation where the future state of the economy is unpredictable
a cloud of uncertainty – an atmosphere or situation filled with doubt and unpredictability
to remove uncertainty – to eliminate doubt by providing clear information
🔄 Synonyms
insecurity (n.) – the state of being open to danger or threat; lack of protection
instability (n.) – the state of being unstable; lack of stability
unpredictability (n.) – the inability to be predicted; changeability
🚫 Antonyms
🌱 Derivatives
uncertainly (adv.) – in a way that shows a lack of certainty or confidence
Wordbook
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