definite
Americanadjective
-
clearly defined or determined; not vague or general; fixed; precise; exact.
a definite quantity;
definite directions.
- Synonyms:
- particular, specific
-
having fixed limits; bounded with precision.
a definite area.
- Synonyms:
- well-defined
-
positive; certain; sure.
It is definite that he will take the job.
-
defining; limiting.
-
Botany. (of an inflorescence) determinate.
adjective
-
clearly defined; exact; explicit
-
having precise limits or boundaries
-
known for certain; sure
it is definite that they have won
-
botany
-
denoting a type of growth in which the main stem ends in a flower, as in a cymose inflorescence; determinate
-
(esp of flower parts) limited or fixed in number in a given species
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Other Word Forms
Derived Forms
Etymology
Origin of definite
First recorded in 1520–30; from Latin dēfīnītus “limited, precise,” adjective use of past participle of dēfīnīre “to limit”; see define
Explanation
Definite is an adjective describing something that is known for certain. For example, there is no more definite way to get into trouble with a police officer than speeding in front of the police station with a broken taillight. This word is from the Latin definitus meaning "defined" or "limited." Definite can also be used to mean something is very clearly planned or certainly defined. If you have definite plans for the evening to go to the theater and out for a nice dinner at a steak house, you're probably not going to end up playing miniature golf and eating fast food instead.
Vocabulary lists containing definite
Tier 2 Words for the SBAC ELA Items
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Shiloh
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Chapter 32: New Challenges
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
“And in the absence of a definite statement from Iran there is a tendency to downplay comments from the U.S. administration.”
From Barron's • Jun. 1, 2026
Brighton still have a mathematical chance of overtaking Aston Villa for the fifth and final definite Champions League qualification place but are eight points behind with just three games left.
From BBC • May 4, 2026
Yet this picture clashes with what we observe in daily life, where objects occupy one definite place or state at a time.
From Science Daily • May 3, 2026
No definite closure has been announced, so it’s possible the collaboration continues.
From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 14, 2026
Observing the look of dumb horror on his face as the waiter delivered the ugly pizza, I decided that, in a test of basic intelligence, I was a definite shoo-in.
From "Me Talk Pretty One Day" by David Sedaris
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
