definite
[ def-uh-nit ]
/ ˈdɛf ə nɪt /
adjective
clearly defined or determined; not vague or general; fixed; precise; exact: a definite quantity; definite directions.
having fixed limits; bounded with precision: a definite area.
positive; certain; sure: It is definite that he will take the job.
defining; limiting.
Botany. (of an inflorescence) determinate.
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RELATED WORDS
rigor, veracity, skill, truthfulness, certainty, efficiency, confidence, trust, inevitability, sharpness, correctness, verity, truth, heed, meticulousness, exactitude, attention, carefulness, nicety, preciseness
Nearby words
- defined-benefit,
- definiendum,
- definiens,
- defining,
- defining moment,
- definite article,
- definite description,
- definite integral,
- definite relative clause,
- definite relative pronoun
Origin of definite
SYNONYMS FOR definite
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019
Examples from the Web for definiteness
definite
/ (ˈdɛfɪnɪt) /
adjective
clearly defined; exact; explicit
having precise limits or boundaries
known for certain; sureit 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
Word Origin for definite
C15: from Latin dēfīnītus limited, distinct; see define
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
© William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
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definite
1550s, from Latin definitus "defined, bounded, limited," past participle of definire (see define). Definite means "defined, clear, precise, unmistakable;" definitive means "having the character of finality."
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper