indefinite expression
[/ɪnˈdɛfɪnɪt ɪkˈsprɛʃən/]
nounpl: indefinite expressions
expressão indefinida
1. A linguistic or mathematical phrase that lacks clarity, specificity, or precise boundaries; a statement whose meaning is vague or open to multiple interpretations
The phrase 'sometime soon' is an indefinite expression because it does not specify an exact time.
A frase 'em breve' é uma expressão indefinida porque não especifica um momento exato.
2. In mathematics, an expression that cannot be assigned a single definite value or is undefined
The expression 0/0 is an indefinite expression in mathematics.
A expressão 0/0 é uma expressão indefinida em matemática.
3. In grammar, a phrase using indefinite articles, pronouns, or determiners that do not refer to a specific person or thing
In 'I saw a person yesterday', the phrase 'a person' is an indefinite expression.
Em 'Vi uma pessoa ontem', a frase 'uma pessoa' é uma expressão indefinida.
This term is predominantly used in academic, mathematical, and linguistic contexts in both Brazilian Portuguese and English-speaking countries. In Brazil, it appears frequently in grammar instruction and mathematical education. The concept reflects the shared challenge across languages of expressing uncertainty and vagueness in communication.
Related Idioms & Phrases
leave something up in the air (criar uma expressão indefinida)
speak in riddles (falar em expressões indefinidas)
beat around the bush (usar expressões indefinidas para evitar clareza)
Look up more words on Fala2Me
The free English-Portuguese dictionary with real Brazilian accents, NYC slang, conjugator and more
Open Fala2Me →