definite

def·i·nite

adjective \ˈde-fə-nit, ˈdef-nət\

Definition of DEFINITE

1

: having distinct or certain limits <set definite standards for pupils to meet>

2

a : free of all ambiguity, uncertainty, or obscurity <demanded a definite answer>

b : unquestionable, decided <the quarterback was a definite hero today>

3

: typically designating an identified or immediately identifiable person or thing <the definite article the>

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>

— def·i·nite·ly adverb

— def·i·nite·ness noun

Examples of DEFINITE

1. We'll need a definite answer by Tuesday.
2. The answer is a definite no.
3. I don't know anything definite yet.
4. The teacher sets definite standards for her students.
5. She seems to be pretty definite about leaving.
6. I am definite that we will win.

Origin of DEFINITE

Latin definitus, past participle of definire

First Known Use: 1553

Related to DEFINITE

Synonyms

bounded, circumscribed, defined, limited, determinate, finite, measured, narrow, restricted

Antonyms

boundless, dimensionless, endless, illimitable, immeasurable, indefinite, infinite, limitless, measureless, unbounded, undefined, unlimited, unmeasured

Related Words

modified, qualified; detailed, exact, precise, specific; confined, constricted, moderate, modest; minute, puny, small, tiny; determined, fixed, settled

Near Antonyms

bottomless, countless, incalculable, inestimable, inexhaustible, innumerable, unfathomable; unqualified, unreserved; general, indeterminate, nebulous, vague; enlarged, escalated, expanded; copious, plenitudinous, plentiful; big, bulky, bumper, considerable, extensive, goodly, great, handsome, hefty, hulking, jumbo, king-size (or king-sized), large, largish, overscale (or overscaled), oversize (or oversized), respectable, sizable (or sizeable), substantial, super, vast, voluminous, whacking; epic, grandiose, major; ample, broad, comprehensive, cosmopolitan, expansive, global, inclusive, sweeping, universal, whole

See Synonym Discussion at explicit