heuristic
Meaning: A practical approach to problem-solving that employs a shortcut or rule of thumb to produce a solution that may not be perfect but is sufficient for the immediate goal; also used as an adjective meaning 'enabling discovery.'
Heuristics are used when finding an optimal solution is impractical due to time or computational constraints. In psychology, heuristics describe the mental shortcuts people use in everyday decision-making, such as the availability heuristic (judging probability by how easily examples come to mind). In computing, heuristic algorithms find approximate solutions to complex problems. The word can function as both a noun and an adjective.
Examples
- The antivirus software uses heuristic analysis to detect previously unknown threats. 该杀毒软件使用启发式分析来检测以前未知的威胁。El software antivirus utiliza análisis heurístico para detectar amenazas previamente desconocidas.そのウイルス対策ソフトはヒューリスティック分析を用いて未知の脅威を検出する。해당 바이러스 백신 소프트웨어는 휴리스틱 분석을 사용하여 이전에 알려지지 않은 위협을 탐지한다.
- Cognitive psychologists study the heuristics that influence human judgement and decision-making. 认知心理学家研究影响人类判断和决策的启发式方法。Los psicólogos cognitivos estudian las heurísticas que influyen en el juicio y la toma de decisiones humanos.認知心理学者は人間の判断と意思決定に影響を与えるヒューリスティクスを研究している。인지 심리학자들은 인간의 판단과 의사결정에 영향을 미치는 휴리스틱을 연구한다.
- A useful heuristic for estimating project timelines is to double your initial estimate. 估算项目时间的一个有用的经验法则是将最初的估计翻倍。Una heurística útil para estimar los plazos de un proyecto es duplicar la estimación inicial.プロジェクトのスケジュールを見積もる際の有用なヒューリスティクスは、最初の見積もりを倍にすることである。프로젝트 일정을 추정할 때 유용한 휴리스틱은 최초 추정치를 두 배로 잡는 것이다.
Pronunciation
Usage Guide
Context: academic, professional
Tone: neutral
Origin & History
From Greek heuriskein (to find, discover), the same root that gives us 'eureka.' The term was adopted into English in the 19th century, first in philosophy and later in computing and psychology.
Cultural Context
Era: Modern
Generation: All ages
Social background: Universal
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