What Does Ad Hoc Mean?

The English language has drawn several influences from varied languages of the world. That is why several foreign phrases make way into the English language and one starts to find a reference to them. But then it is just as true that while a sentence with a foreign phrase sounds all that important and interesting, it can get equally confusing if one has absolutely zilch of an idea of what the word or phrase means. In this article, we will talk about the word 'ad hoc' and try and understand what it means, the context of its usage and the examples of the same. Continue reading the following article to get a thorough explanation regarding what does ad hoc mean.

What is the Meaning of Ad Hoc

Ad Hoc is a Latin phrase and literally means 'For this' or 'Towards This'. When one confers from this term, it directly translates to 'For this purpose (only)'. That is the ad hoc definition.

But what does ad hoc mean in context and what exactly does that signify? It is interesting to note that ad hoc is a concept that is designed such that it provides for a solution as, when and how the situation demands it. It means that a particular action was not a part of the original plan and had to be designed to suit the demands of the task at hand. In that way, we do things on an ad hoc basis whenever a situation demands action, rather than it being arranged for from before-hand.

That is the reason why an ad hoc is an impromptu action plan that provides for a solution to suit the needs of the task at hand. Which then gives it that freedom of molding the situation to suit the needs and therefore allows for a semi free rein to ensure success. It is also to be understood that it is a temporary plan, created to meet the needs of a specific situation.

This also makes it clear that the purpose of the ad hoc is usually specific and specialized and cannot be carried over or adopted for other purposes.

Examples of Ad Hoc

Now that you know the meaning of ad hoc, let's give you a very simple, everyday life example to help you understand this concept better. Let's suppose that you have invited some friends over to watch a match on TV. While you're busy enjoying the game, something blows up and the reception is gone. This is something that you haven't planned for and as a result you come up with an ad hoc plan which is directed to identifying the problem and looking for a solution. So it's an impromptu committee that is directed at getting the problem fixed and is something that was not a part of the original plan.

If a legal problem occurs in an office and demands a solution, then an ad hoc committee will be responsible for finding an (ad hoc) lawyer, who will be approached for legal advice because he specializes in that field. What makes it ad hoc is the fact that the situation presented itself at the last minute and the legal advice cannot be carried over to any other situation.

Context of Ad Hoc Usage

The earlier example was used to explain the ad hoc concept to you in more clarity. The term ad hoc is used most frequently in the context of 'setting up an ad hoc committee' to provide solutions for a particular set of problems that have come up in a meeting or a work set up. For example - An ad hoc committee was set up to look into the Walt report and draw up the required changes.

Ad hoc is also used quite frequently in the contexts of information technology and in journalism as well.

Hopefully, you now have a satisfactory answer to what does ad hoc mean, the contexts it can be used in, and how to make use of it well enough.