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

Other Word Forms

• definiteness noun
• nondefinite adjective
• nondefinitely adverb
• nondefiniteness noun
• quasi-definite adjective
• quasi-definitely adverb
• semidefinite adjective
• semidefinitely adverb
• semidefiniteness noun
• undefinite adjective
• undefinitely adverb
• undefiniteness noun
• definitude 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

“I really can’t put into words what makes it so magical, but there is a definite thing there that you feel when you’re actually there. I’ve loved it since I was a little kid.”

From Los Angeles Times

He had no definite plan of his own and so he went.

From Los Angeles Times

Karl Stewart, head teacher at Shaftesbury Junior School in Leicester, said his school's attendance rates were higher than average and but there was a "definite dip" in the two years after Covid.

From BBC

But she also believes athletes who were born male have a definite advantage when competing against cisgender females.

From Los Angeles Times

"It's too early for definite conclusions," he said, emphasising the investigation is ongoing and the final report will identify "root causes and recommendations".

From BBC

Related Words

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