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

“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

However, when asked directly whether she would reverse the VAT hike on private schools, Badenoch was definite, saying "yes, yes, I would... because it’s a tax on aspiration, but it won’t raise any money" and was therefore "against our principles".

From BBC

It’s been energizing for them to campaign for an issue that engenders such moral clarity and will have a definite impact, as opposed to a shortcomings-riddled political candidate who may or may not be able to make the change they seek.

From Slate

There is a definite hierarchy among men that reflects larger hierarchies of power and privilege in American, Western and global societies.

From Salon

Related Words

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