Definition

Describing a situation where there are more constraints or equations than necessary, often leading to no possible solution.

Example

The mathematical problem was overdetermined, making it impossible to find a single solution.

Conversation

Have you ever heard of an overdetermined system in math?

Yeah, I remember learning about that in school!

It sounds complicated, like having too many equations for the variables.

Exactly! It can make finding a solution really tricky.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Overdetermined → It is formed from "over-" (meaning excessively or too much) and "determine" (from Latin "determinare", meaning to limit or fix). The word "overdetermined" refers to a situation where there are more constraints or factors than necessary to determine an outcome, hence excessively limited or fixed.

Memory Tip

Think of having too many factors that 'limit' or 'fix' a situation — 'over-' means excessively, and 'determine' means to fix or limit.

Visually Confused Words