definite

[ def-uh-nit ]
See synonyms for definite on Thesaurus.com
adjective
  1. clearly defined or determined; not vague or general; fixed; precise; exact: a definite quantity;definite directions.

  2. having fixed limits; bounded with precision: a definite area.

  1. positive; certain; sure: It is definite that he will take the job.

  2. defining; limiting.

  3. Botany. (of an inflorescence) determinate.

Origin of definite

1
First recorded in 1520–30; from Latin dēfīnītus “limited, precise,” adjective use of past participle of dēfīnīre “to limit”; see define

Other words for definite

Other words from definite

  • def·i·nite·ness, noun
  • non·def·i·nite, adjective
  • non·def·i·nite·ly, adverb
  • non·def·i·nite·ness, noun
  • qua·si-def·i·nite, adjective
  • qua·si-def·i·nite·ly, adverb
  • sem·i·def·i·nite, adjective
  • sem·i·def·i·nite·ly, adverb
  • sem·i·def·i·nite·ness, noun
  • un·def·i·nite, adjective
  • un·def·i·nite·ly, adverb
  • un·def·i·nite·ness, noun

Words that may be confused with definite

Words Nearby definite

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024

How to use definite in a sentence

British Dictionary definitions for definite

definite

/ (ˈdɛfɪnɪt) /


adjective
  1. clearly defined; exact; explicit

  2. having precise limits or boundaries

  1. known for certain; sure: it is definite that they have won

  2. 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

Origin of definite

1
C15: from Latin dēfīnītus limited, distinct; see define

Derived forms of definite

  • definiteness, noun
  • definitude (dɪˈfɪnɪˌtjuːd), noun

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012