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

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.

Other Word Forms

• finitely adverb
• finiteness noun
• nonfinite adjective
• nonfinitely adverb
• nonfiniteness noun
• superfinite adjective
• superfinitely adverb
• superfiniteness noun
• unfinite 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

There's only a finite amount of managers out there, so how many do we have to go through until we find one that fits what we need?

From BBC

Segel: Well, like I said, I think there’s actually a pretty finite set of emotions.

From Los Angeles Times

For his horned opponents, one chosen afternoon — presented as entertainment — is violent and finite.

From Los Angeles Times

I’m trying to give myself and others grace and remember that grief is not finite, there’s no neat ending point.

From Los Angeles Times

Time is a finite resource for Democrats and other pro-democracy Americans.

From Salon

Related Words

• definite 
• fixed 
• limited 
• restricted