definite

American  

[def-uh-nit] / ˈdɛf ə nɪt /

adjective

1. clearly defined or determined; not vague or general; fixed; precise; exact.

   a definite quantity;

   definite directions.

   Synonyms:

   particular, specific

2. having fixed limits; bounded with precision.

   a definite area.

   Synonyms:

   well-defined

3. positive; certain; sure.

   It is definite that he will take the job.

4. defining; limiting.

5. Botany. (of an inflorescence) determinate.

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definite British  

/ dɪˈfɪnɪˌtjuːd, ˈdɛfɪnɪt /

adjective

1. clearly defined; exact; explicit

2. having precise limits or boundaries

3. known for certain; sure

   it is definite that they have won

4. botany

   1. denoting a type of growth in which the main stem ends in a flower, as in a cymose inflorescence; determinate

   2. (esp of flower parts) limited or fixed in number in a given species

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Other Word Forms

• definiteness noun
• definitude noun
• nondefinite adjective
• nondefinitely adverb
• nondefiniteness noun
• quasi-definite adjective
• quasi-definitely adverb
• semidefinite adjective
• semidefinitely adverb
• semidefiniteness noun
• undefinite adjective
• undefinitely adverb
• undefiniteness noun

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.

Example Sentences

And though the show was perfectly competent, it had a definite cash-the-check vibe, as though Malone were putting in the least possible work to satisfy his commitment.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 27, 2026

So the absence of a further escalation is a definite relief for the global economy as finance ministers fly into Washington DC for key IMF meetings.

From BBC • Apr. 8, 2026

“I never had a definite place which was my room or where I retired specially to write,” Agatha Christie said in her autobiography.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 27, 2026

“It brings back some definite memories,” he told me.

From Slate • Mar. 25, 2026

Not a tilt exactly, but a definite slant, you could say.

From "Jazz" by Toni Morrison

Related Words

• bold
• categorical
• clear-cut
• definitive
• distinct
• explicit
• obvious
• palpable
• positive
• precise
• pronounced
• specific
• straightforward
• unambiguous
• unequivocal
• unmistakable
• well-defined