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

There's a definite desire for the Conservatives to find some clear blue water, particularly on the economic agenda.

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The Republicans have so far made clear they will not join a left-led government, but their return to government with the Macronists is not definite either.

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“I think there’s a definite pattern in people’s lives where they move away from their parents, then they spend time on their own and then they look for that replacement,” he added.

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“When the movie was a definite thing, there were several big stars who wanted to play the part,” Curry remembers.

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"There is a definite advantage when they have these staff there for longer, understanding habits and behaviours."

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Related Words

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