ad hoc

1. 1
   for one jobadjective

   Made, set up, or done for one specific purpose.

   The school formed an ad hoc team to plan the new playground.

   We started an ad hoc chat group just for the camping trip.

   Similarspecial, dedicated

   Oppositepermanent, standing, general

   Note
2. 2
   adjective

   Made up or done in the moment, without planning it first.

   When the power went out, the neighbors held an ad hoc meeting in the street.

   We forgot the map, so our walk through the city was completely ad hoc.

   Similarimprovised, impromptu, spontaneous, unplanned, makeshift

   Oppositeplanned, rehearsed, organized

3. 3
   adverb

   For one specific purpose, not for general use.

   A small group was put together ad hoc to clean up the park after the fair.

   The tool was made ad hoc for one job and then thrown away.

   Similarspecially

4. 4
   adverb

   Right at the moment, without planning it ahead of time.

   We had no plan, so we picked the songs ad hoc.

   The kids made up the rules ad hoc as they played.

   Similarspontaneously

5. 5
   saving a theoryadjective

   Used about an idea added only to save a theory from being proven wrong, when it predicts nothing new.

   When the test failed, Leo saved his theory with an ad hoc hypothesis that predicted nothing new.

   Scientists don't trust a theory that needs one ad hoc hypothesis after another just to survive.

   Note
6. 6
   computer networkadjective

   Used about a network in which devices link straight to each other without a router or similar equipment.

   Like friends passing notes straight to each other instead of sending every note through the teacher.

   At the campsite, our phones formed an ad hoc network so we could share photos with no router nearby.

   Set the printer to ad hoc mode, and your laptop can talk to it directly.

   Note

Showing meanings only. Show all 6