definite
adjective
Jed Stevenson
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Spelling: It's Definite NOT Definate
This word can be tricky to spell because its last syllable has that amorphous schwa sound as its vowel.
To remember that the word ends in ite and not ate you can think of a few things:
The word definite doesn't go on forever; it's finite. (Get it? deFINITE.)
The etymology of definite can also be useful in remembering the word's spelling. Definite traces back to the Latin word finire meaning "to limit, end, FINISH." Connect finish to definite and voilà: you can definitely spell definite correctly.
Synonyms
- bounded
- circumscribed
- defined
- determinate
- finite
- limited
- measured
- narrow
- restricted
Example Sentences
Michelle F. Solomon, Sun Sentinel, 12 Aug. 2022 The sun glides into Capricorn on December 21, the same day as the winter solstice, ushering in a definite energy shift. Lisa Stardust, refinery29.com, 4 Dec. 2021 The Sandman Season 2 is still somehow not definite yet, but if the show continues, there’s ample material to pull from. Milan Polk, Men's Health, 19 Aug. 2022 Hormone therapy has been identified as a possible, though not definite, contributor towards this. Robert Hart, Forbes, 2 Sep. 2021 There’s a definite crossover in terms of our communities, and Heaven is such a community project. Laird Borrelli-persson, Vogue, 8 Aug. 2022 This Netflix release is giving me definite The Man from Toronto vibes. Andy Meek, BGR, 6 Aug. 2022 For the tech guy, a dual dash camera (which is super easy to install and will help him capture everything from license plates to signs to blind spots from the front and back) is a definite winner. Corinne Sullivan, Good Housekeeping, 4 Aug. 2022 In the meantime, there are two definite spin-offs to the film coming to HBOMax, probably in 2023. Men's Health, 3 Aug. 2022 See More Word History
borrowed from Latin dēfīnītus, from past participle of dēfīnīre "to mark the limits of, determine, define"
1553, in the meaning defined at sense 3
Phrases Containing definite
Kids Definition
definite
adjective
definite
adjective
Synonyms & Similar Words
- limited
- defined
- restricted
- finite
- determinate
- specific
- narrow
- measured
- bounded
- circumscribed
- detailed
- determined
- small
- qualified
- modified
- fixed
- confined
- tiny
- precise
- exact
- modest
- moderate
- settled
- constricted
- puny
- minute
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
- indefinite
- infinite
- general
- endless
- immeasurable
- dimensionless
- unlimited
- limitless
- undefined
- boundless
- vague
- incalculable
- indeterminate
- unbounded
- innumerable
- inexhaustible
- inestimable
- unmeasured
- illimitable
- substantial
- countless
- measureless
- nebulous
- unfathomable
- considerable
- great
- unreserved
- unqualified
- major
- large
- bottomless
- big
- sizeable
- extensive
- sizable
- copious
- vast
- plentiful
- enlarged
- ample
- universal
- hefty
- broad
- super
- respectable
- expanded
- voluminous
- goodly
- whole
- handsome
- comprehensive
- bulky
- escalated
- epic
- jumbo
- grandiose
- sweeping
- largish
- oversized
- oversize
- global
- bumper
- expansive
- hulking
- cosmopolitan
- inclusive
- plenitudinous
- whacking
- overscale
- overscaled
- king-size
- king-sized
Synonyms & Similar Words
- explicit
- definitive
- specific
- express
- unmistakable
- unequivocal
- unambiguous
- clear-cut
- complete
- literal
- clear
- comprehensive
- specified
- full
- distinct
- stated
- precise
- univocal
- certain
- simple
- categorical
- declared
- avowed
- comprehensible
- exact
- categoric
- direct
- sure
- well-defined
- exhaustive
- understandable
- intelligible
- straightforward
- lucid
- plain
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
- implicit
- implied
- inferred
- unclear
- obscure
- ambiguous
- dark
- enigmatic
- indefinite
- vague
- cryptic
- incorrect
- circuitous
- imprecise
- enigmatical
- inaccurate
- equivocal
- inexact
- incomprehensible
- unintelligible
- unspecific
- inexplicit
Synonyms & Similar Words
- absolute
- complete
- utter
- unconditional
- sheer
- total
- simple
- pure
- real
- very
- perfect
- categorical
- damn
- profound
- huge
- outright
- damned
- thoroughgoing
- categoric
- consummate
- thorough
- constant
- stark
- unmitigated
- genuine
- stone
- deadly
- regular
- dreadful
- endless
- unadulterated
- rank
- fair
- downright
- blank
- unalloyed
- blooming
- straight-out
- clean
- eternal
- unqualified
- perpetual
- arrant
- out-and-out
- crashing
- veritable
- plumb
- flat-out
- bodacious
- flat
- main
- terrible
- horrible
- all-out
- dead
- authentic
- classic
- extreme
- supreme
- confirmed
- unremitting
- undying
- terrific
- extraordinary
- habitual
- unrestricted
- superlative
- hopeless
- inveterate
- surpassing
- frightful
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
- uncertain
- doubtful
- questionable
- restricted
- dubious
- qualified
- equivocal
Synonym Chooser
Some common synonyms of definite are explicit, express, and specific. While all these words mean "perfectly clear in meaning," definite stresses precise, clear statement or arrangement that leaves no doubt or indecision.
The meanings of explicit and definite largely overlap; however, explicit implies such verbal plainness and distinctness that there is no need for inference and no room for difficulty in understanding.
The words express and definite are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, express implies both explicitness and direct and positive utterance.
While in some cases nearly identical to definite, specific applies to what is precisely and fully treated in detail or particular.