Word
parameter
Phoneticspa·ram·e·ter, stress on the second syllable
US/pɝˈæmətɝ/
UK/pəɹˈæmɪtɐ/
Definitions
01limits or boundaries
C1 · Advanced Countable noun Academic
n. a limit or rule that controls how something should be done.
n. a numerical or other measurable factor forming one of a set that defines a system or sets the conditions of its operation; often used in the plural to denote boundaries.
“The researchers had to work within the strict parameters set by the government grant.”
“The legal team spent weeks defining the parameters of the contract to ensure that every possible contingency was covered by the new regulations.”
Usage
Commonly used in the plural form 'parameters' when referring to general guidelines or constraints.
Pitfall
We need to stay within the perimeters of the budget.
We need to stay within the parameters of the budget.
Learners often confuse 'parameter' (a rule or limit) with 'perimeter' (the outer edge of a physical area).
02Computing
C1 · Advanced Countable noun Computing Technical
n. a piece of information that you give to a computer program or function so it can do its work.
n. a named variable in a function definition that acts as a placeholder for the argument passed to the function during execution.
“This function requires two parameters: the user's name and their age.”
“The developer modified the API to accept an optional parameter, allowing users to filter the search results by date or relevance.”
Usage
In strict technical contexts, a 'parameter' is the variable defined in the function, while an 'argument' is the actual value passed to it.
03Statistics/Science
C1 · Advanced Countable noun Science Academic · Technical
n. a fixed value that describes a specific part of a population or system.
n. a quantity that is constant in a particular case but varies in others; specifically, a numerical characteristic of a population.
“The study measured several parameters, including heart rate and blood pressure.”
“In this statistical model, the population mean is the primary parameter we are attempting to estimate through random sampling.”
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “parameter” in context.
Verb
01. define parameter
“The committee needs to define the parameters of the research project before we can begin.”
verb + noun
Adjective
02. important parameter
“Temperature is an important parameter to monitor during this chemical reaction.”
adj + noun
Noun
03. parameter estimate
“The statistician provided a parameter estimate based on the initial survey data.”
noun + noun
04. parameter value
“You must enter a specific parameter value into the software to run the simulation.”
noun + noun
05. parameter space
Real-World Examples
“As he explained, turning one knob can cause 50 others to react, so you have to find the sweet spot for each parameter to ensure everything works in harmony.” “Back at his desk, Truszynski came up with a list of parameters for his search.” Etymology
From French paramètre, from New Latin parametrum (“parameter”), from Ancient Greek παρα- (para-, “beside”) + μέτρον (métron, “measure”).
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
NOUN
ADJECTIVE
Domains
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- C1 · AdvancedOxford
- Updated
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