finite

[ fahy-nahyt ]

adjective

1. having bounds or limits; not infinite; measurable.

   Synonyms: restricted, limited, bounded

2. Mathematics.
   1. (of a set of elements) capable of being completely counted.
   2. not infinite or infinitesimal.
   3. not zero.
3. subject to limitations or conditions, as of space, time, circumstances, or the laws of nature:

   our finite existence on earth.

noun

1. something that is finite.

finite

/ ˈfaɪnaɪt /

adjective

1. bounded in magnitude or spatial or temporal extent

   a finite difference

2. maths logic having a number of elements that is a natural number; able to be counted using the natural numbers less than some natural number Compare denumerable infinite
3. 1. limited or restricted in nature

      human existence is finite

   2. ( as noun )

      the finite

4. denoting any form or occurrence of a verb inflected for grammatical features such as person, number, and tense

finite

/ fī′nīt′ /

1. Relating to a set that cannot be put into a one-to-one correspondence with any proper subset of its own members.
2. Relating to or being a numerical quantity describing the size of such a set.
3. Being a member of the set of real or complex numbers.
4. Being a quantity that is non-zero and not infinite.

Derived Forms

• ˈfinitely, adverb
• ˈfiniteness, noun

Other Words From

• finite·ly adverb
• finite·ness noun
• non·finite adjective noun
• non·finite·ly adverb
• non·finite·ness noun
• super·finite adjective
• super·finite·ly adverb
• super·finite·ness noun
• un·finite adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of finite¹

1375–1425; late Middle English < Latin fīnītus, past participle of fīnīre to stop, limit. See fine ¹, -ite ²

Word History and Origins

Origin of finite¹

C15: from Latin fīnītus limited, from fīnīre to limit, end

Example Sentences

But there is increasing concern about our use of resources on a finite planet and the growing and interacting pressures of pollution, biodiversity loss and climate change.

From Science Daily

“A certain amount of funding has to go towards funding those frontline services, that is a finite amount of money,” she said.

From BBC

On paper, this is a law solely about managing a finite, limited and largely unseen resource.

From Los Angeles Times

Because time is finite and you can only do so many things.

From Los Angeles Times

In his veto message, Newsom injected a dose of realism cloaked in bureaucratic lingo: “Given the finite funding available … expanding program eligibility must be considered within the broader context of the annual state budget.”

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• definite
• fixed
• limited
• restricted