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

Having a dedicated Center for Plastics Innovation at UD is a definite advantage, Vlachos said, because it brings a critical mass of people talking, thinking and working on these issues.

From Science Daily

There was also a bit of fitness news - and a definite subtle message to try to suggest issues from Erik ten Hag's tenure are now being addressed.

From BBC

Judge Daniel Rafecas said the warrants would apply to those who had "convictions with definite prison sentences," Brazilian news outlet Globo reported.

From BBC

“The book and the movie have a very, very definite ending to them,” Neame acknowledges.

From Los Angeles Times

I have definite plans of who I'm going to vote for, but I can't tell you the candidate's name because I don't know the candidate's name.

From BBC

Related Words

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