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

Derived Forms

• definitude, noun
• ˈdefiniteness, noun

Other Words From

• 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

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

His touch is firm and percussive, his ear tuned toward a definite, stirring pulse.

From Time

The simulation results give a definite answer to this habitability problem, at least in terms of the importance of feedbacks and luck.

From Singularity Hub 

The idea that there is a definite clear-cut answer is not true, because respected scientists differ in their views.

From Fortune

The exemplar of this group of ideas is the Copenhagen interpretation, the textbook version of quantum theory, which is most popularly understood to suggest that particles don’t have definite properties until those properties are measured.

From Quanta Magazine

The Hawks’ turnaround starts with outside shooting, a definite concern heading into the year.

From FiveThirtyEight

Do you think that as we get older our thoughts shift to the more abstract, the music, than the definite, the lyrics?

From The Daily Beast

Griswold was undeniably an incursion on democratic powers with a definite whiff of activism.

From The Daily Beast

The report had one definite effect: rumblings about the antitrust exemption ceased.

From The Daily Beast

The mother has a definite opinion of what form justice should take for General Motors.

From The Daily Beast

In fact, the Midwest is the only region where Clinton lacks a definite lead.

From The Daily Beast

Aguinaldo withheld his decision until Paterno could report to him the definite opinions of his generals.

From Project Gutenberg

Quantitative estimation does not furnish much of definite clinical value.

From Project Gutenberg

That she had her definite reason he knew, as a woman knows when another woman is wearing a last year's gown.

From Project Gutenberg

He even fancied that something of challenge flashed from her, though without definite words or gesture.

From Project Gutenberg

Much later, in the case of all but gifted children, do the mysteries of harmony begin to take on definite form and meaning.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

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