definite

[def-uh-nit]

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; defining; limiting.

5. Botany.,  (of an inflorescence) determinate.

definite

/ 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

Other Word Forms

• definiteness 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
• definitude noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of definite¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of definite¹

C15: from Latin dēfīnītus limited, distinct; see _define

Example Sentences

At the atomic level, the lines that separate our bodies from our environment are not as definite as you might think.

Read more on Literature

Charlie Ledley was even worse: He had the pallor of a mortician and the manner of a man bent on putting off, for as long as possible, definite action.

Read more on Literature

"It needs to be a definite pivot, not a little shift," they said.

Read more on BBC

The difference today is that outlets have clear but unstated biases, with a veneer of fairness covering a definite slant.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

"And I can't say for definite, but I would more than likely have left."

Read more on BBC

Related Words

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