finite

fi·nite

adjective \ˈfī-ˌnīt\

Definition of FINITE

1

a : having definite or definable limits <a finite number of possibilities>

b : having a limited nature or existence <finite beings>

2

: completely determinable in theory or in fact by counting, measurement, or thought <the finite velocity of light>

3

a : less than an arbitrary positive integer and greater than the negative of that integer

b : having a finite number of elements <a finite set>

4

: of, relating to, or being a verb or verb form that can function as a predicate or as the initial element of one and that is limited (as in tense, person, and number)

— finite noun

— fi·nite·ly adverb

— fi·nite·ness noun

Examples of FINITE

1. a finite number of possibilities
2. the earth's finite supply of natural resources
3. the finite human life span
4. a finite verb such as “is” or “are”

Origin of FINITE

Middle English finit, from Latin finitus, past participle of finire

First Known Use: 15th century

Related to FINITE

Synonyms

limited

Antonyms

boundless, endless, illimitable, infinite, limitless, unbounded, unlimited

Related Words

circumscribed, confined, restricted; definable, defined, definite, determinate, discrete; decided, established, fixed, set; exact, precise, specific; fathomable, measurable, mensurable, numerable

Near Antonyms

unconfined, unrestricted; immeasurable, indefinite, indeterminate, measureless, undefinable, undefined, unfathomable