definite

def·i·nite

adj \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

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See Synonym Discussion at explicit