definite

adjective

def·​i·​nite ˈde-fə-nit 

ˈdef-nət

1

a

: free of all ambiguity, uncertainty, or obscurity

demanded a definite answer

Her position on the issue was definite.

b

: unquestionable, decided

the quarterback was a definite hero today

a definite masterpiece

saw a definite improvement in her grades

2

grammar : typically designating an identified or immediately identifiable person or thing

the definite article the

3

: having distinct or certain limits

set definite standards for pupils to meet

… the side striking the new coin is flattened and less definite.

—Jed Stevenson

4

a

of floral organs : being constant in number, usually less than 20, and occurring in multiples of the petal number

stamens definite

b

: cymose

a definite inflorescence

definiteness noun

Did you know?

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

Choose the Right Synonym for definite

explicit, definite, express, specific mean perfectly clear in meaning.

explicit implies such verbal plainness and distinctness that there is no need for inference and no room for difficulty in understanding.

explicit instructions

definite stresses precise, clear statement or arrangement that leaves no doubt or indecision.

the law is definite in such cases

express implies both explicitness and direct and positive utterance.

her express wishes

specific applies to what is precisely and fully treated in detail or particular.

two specific criticisms

Examples of definite in a Sentence

We'll need a definite answer by Tuesday.

The answer is a definite no.

I don't know anything definite yet.

The teacher sets definite standards for her students.

She seems to be pretty definite about leaving.

I am definite that we will win.

Recent Examples on the Web

According to the Florida Museum of Natural History, the fir tussock is the most common, the white-marked is the second most common and the definite is the rarest of the three. —Julia Gomez, USA TODAY, 3 Apr. 2024

Sure, there’s a snake table that’s a definite conversation piece and the bathroom has been reimagined as an eye-popping Cave of Wonders but there’s also a pull-out couch in addition to a king-sized bed, two walls of floor to ceiling windows and a corner location for quiet and privacy. —Lois Alter Mark, Forbes, 28 Mar. 2024

Helping matters, London has also become the company’s third biggest city — after New York and Los Angelas — in terms of its Instagram following, indicating a definite brand recognition. —Alex Ritman, Variety, 27 Mar. 2024

But for the fashion aficionados and jewelry fanatics that keep up with the latest style trends, earring stacks are definite must-try. —Mekaylah Yowpp-Hernacki, Vogue, 27 Mar. 2024

If the iX and i7 are too much for you, then this new concept suggests a definite rebalancing of the aesthetic order. —Jason Barlow, WIRED, 21 Mar. 2024

So that one bit isn’t going to tell you how to put the qubit, so to speak, on the globe at some definite latitude and longitude. —Quanta Magazine, 14 Mar. 2024

There was definite tension between the two women and ultimately last week, Reba decided her time searching for love on the show was over. —Rebecca Angel Baer, Southern Living, 12 Mar. 2024

The lasting lesson of the Hartstein ruling is that employees furloughed without a definite return date are immediately entitled to the value of their unused vacation time. —Dan Eaton, San Diego Union-Tribune, 11 Mar. 2024

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from Latin dēfīnītus, from past participle of dēfīnīre "to mark the limits of, determine, define"

First Known Use

1553, in the meaning defined at sense 3

Phrases Containing definite

• definite article
• definite integral
• law of definite proportions
• positive definite

Kids Definition

definite

adjective

def·​i·​nite ˈdef-(ə-)nət 

1

: having certain or distinct limits : fixed

a definite period of time

2

a

: clear in meaning : explicit, exact

a definite answer

b

: unquestionable

a definite improvement

3

: typically designating an identified or immediately identifiable person or thing

the definite article "the"

definitely adverb

definiteness noun