| 释义 |
infinitely, adv.|ˈɪnfɪnɪtlɪ|
[-ly2.]
1. In an infinite degree, or to an infinite extent; without limit or end; boundlessly.
1413Pilgr. Sowle (Caxton 1483) v. xiv. 109 The trouthe of the hooly trynyte passeth infynytely al that may be said. 1587Golding De Mornay iv. 47 Considering his effects; howbeit in such sort as that we must think infinitely of him. 1651Hobbes Leviath. iii. xxxviii. 248 God, who is infinitely more mercifull then men. 1777Priestley Matt. & Spir. (1782) I. iii. 38 Every particle of matter is infinitely divisible. 1899Expositor Feb. 92 There is a power working within us..that is infinitely wiser, stronger and better than ourselves. Mod. We conceive of space as extending infinitely in all directions.
b. In loose or hyperbolical sense: To an indefinitely great extent; beyond measurement or calculation; exceedingly, immensely, vastly.
1584R. Scot Discov. Witchcr. vi. iv. (1886) 95 He grew infinitlie rich. 1596Shakes. Merch. V. v. i. 135 This is the man, this is Anthonio, To whom I am so infinitely bound. 1673Temple Observ. United Prov. Wks. 1731 I. 66 They buy infinitely, but 'tis to sell again. 1717Steele in Four C. Eng. Lett. 173 Dear Prue—I have yours of the 14th, and am infinitely obliged to you for the length of it. 1827Maginn Red-nosed Lieut., I like the blonde..infinitely. 1868G. Duff Pol. Surv. 49 The Turkish population is infinitely more harshly used than the Christian, as regards exactions.
†2. Without determinate limit or end; to an indefinite distance or extent; indefinitely. Obs.
c1430Art Nombrynge (E.E.T.S.) 3 And so infynytly mvltiplying by these .3. 10, 100, 1000. 1555Eden Decades 254 Which he knewe..to reach infinitely towarde the north-east. 1597Morley Introd. Mus. 6 The Keyes..may be continued infinitely. 1625Bacon Ess., Empire (Arb.) 297 It being not possible for them to goe forward infinitely. 1638F. Junius Paint. of Ancients 344 Even so the mind..runneth on infinitly, remembring all what is to be remembred. 1695Ld. Preston Boeth. iii. 135 Wherefore that we may not infinitely produce our Reasons.
†3. In an indefinite manner or sense; indefinitely, indeterminately, generally. (In quot. 1530, = in the infinitive mood.) Obs.
1530Palsgr. 352 And infynitely: je ne scay que pencer. 1574tr. Marlorat's Apocalips 8 The number of seuen is put infinitely. 1591R. Turnbull St. James 3 b, In this sence infinitely is ‘seruant’ taken in holy Scripture, meaning all such as serue God in profession of religion.
4. Math. To an infinite extent or amount; without limit.
infinitely small = infinitesimal; so infinitely near, to diminish infinitely, etc.
1692Halley in Phil. Trans. XVII. 556 A Line infinitely long. 1704[see infinitesimal A. 2]. 1710Berkeley Princ. Hum. Knowl. §123 No finite extension contains innumerable parts or is infinitely divisible. 1740Cheyne Regimen 294 Between an infinitly small, and an infinitly great part of the Diameter of an infinit Circle. 1743Emerson Fluxions 279 Draw the Axis..and the Ordinates..infinitely near. 1796Hutton Math. Dict. s.v., The mean proportional between infinitely great, and infinitely little, is finite. 1828― Course Math. II. 103 The centre of a parabola is infinitely distant from the vertex. 1873B. Williamson Diff. Calc. (ed. 2) i. §5 When the increment is supposed infinitely small, it is called a differential. |