def|i|nite

def|i|nite
def|i|nite «DEHF uh niht», adjective.
1. clear or exact; precise; not vague: »

definite proof. Say “Yes” or “No,” or give me some definite answer.

 SYNONYM(S): explicit, positive.
2. having settled limits; limited; restricted.
3. limiting; restricting: »

The contract's definite articles are very precise.

SYNONYM(S): specific.
4. Botany. (of an inflorescence) determinate.
╂[< Latin dēfīnītus, past participle of dēfīnīre; see etym. under define (Cf. ↑define)]
–def´i|nite|ness, noun.
Usage Definite and definitive, although overlapping in meaning, are not synonyms. Definite, meaning perfectly clear and exact, is a synonym of distinct: »

I expect a definite answer, either yes or no.

Definitive, meaning final and complete, is a synonym of decisive: »

We have appealed to the Supreme Court for a definitive answer.


Useful english dictionary. 2012.

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Look at other dictionaries:

  • def|i|nite|ly — «DEHF uh niht lee», adverb. 1. in a definite manner: »Say definitely what you have in mind. SYNONYM(S): clearly. 2. certainly: »Will you go? Definitely. SYNONYM(S): surely, unquestionably, assuredly. Usage …   Useful english dictionary

  • def´i|nite|ness — def|i|nite «DEHF uh niht», adjective. 1. clear or exact; precise; not vague: »definite proof. Say “Yes” or “No,” or give me some definite answer. SYNONYM(S): explicit, positive. 2. having settled limits; limited; restricted. 3 …   Useful english dictionary

  • def·i·nite·ly — …   Useful english dictionary

  • in|def´i|nite|ness — in|def|i|nite «ihn DEHF uh niht», adjective. 1. not clearly defined; not precise; vague: »“Maybe” is a very indefinite answer. SYNONYM(S): obscure, ambiguous, equivocal, inexact. 2. not limited: »We have an indefinite time to finish this work. 3 …   Useful english dictionary

  • in|def´i|nite|ly — in|def|i|nite «ihn DEHF uh niht», adjective. 1. not clearly defined; not precise; vague: »“Maybe” is a very indefinite answer. SYNONYM(S): obscure, ambiguous, equivocal, inexact. 2. not limited: »We have an indefinite time to finish this work. 3 …   Useful english dictionary

  • in|def|i|nite — «ihn DEHF uh niht», adjective. 1. not clearly defined; not precise; vague: »“Maybe” is a very indefinite answer. SYNONYM(S): obscure, ambiguous, equivocal, inexact. 2. not limited: »We have an indefinite time to finish this work. 3. Grammar. not… …   Useful english dictionary

  • nite — ace·to·ar·se·nite; ac·o·nite; ac·ro·ster·nite; ac·ti·no·cri·nite; al·go·do·nite; alu·mi·nite; al·u·nite; am·ba·to·ar·i·nite; am·blyg·o·nite; am·phi·bich·nite; an·de·si·nite; an·ti·mo·nite; aph·a·nite; arag·o·nite; ar·ca·nite; ar·den·nite;… …   English syllables

  • def — ab·u·def·duf; def·ae·cate; def·a·ma·tion; def·e·ca·tion; def·e·ca·tor; def·e·da·tion; def·er·ence; def·er·en·ti·al·i·ty; def·i·nite·ly; def·i·nite·ness; def·i·ni·tion; def·i·ni·tion·al; def·i·ni·tize; def·i·ni·tor; def·la·grate; def·la·gra·tion;… …   English syllables

  • in·def·i·nite — …   Useful english dictionary

  • in·def·i·nite·ly — /ınˈdɛfənətli/ adv : for a period of time that might not end It s foolish to think that economic growth will continue indefinitely. [=forever] Their vacation has been postponed indefinitely. [=until a later time that has not yet been decided] …   Useful english dictionary

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