definite

adjective

def·​i·​nite ˈde-fə-nit How to pronounce definite (audio)
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.

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 This Tree Hut body cream is a definite crowd pleaser as well, with over 2,000 Amazon shoppers buying it in the past month alone. Jamie Allison Sanders, Peoplemag, 28 Feb. 2024 So maybe those are good insights to walk away with: that leadership is inclusive, it’s not bound by definite black-and-white rules and the true test of great leadership is being able to see evidence for the demonstration of that leadership through results, performance or any other kind of evidence. Vinesh Sukumaran, Forbes, 23 Feb. 2024 Although water sports are a definite rarity for the hottest place on Earth, Park Ranger Abby Wines recently launched a small, inflatable kayak on the waters that now cover the salt flats of Badwater Basin. Lila Seidman, Los Angeles Times, 21 Feb. 2024 Should be of great concern to those in charge Whatever the case, such opposing forces within the workplace have a definite impact on employees of all ages and should be of great concern to those in charge, as well. Phil Blair, San Diego Union-Tribune, 19 Feb. 2024 That, coupled with the Jayhawks’ 3-point percentage dropping in Big 12 play, is a definite cause for concern. Shreyas Laddha, Kansas City Star, 16 Feb. 2024 These incredible-looking keyboards have all the allure of an old manual typewriter but with definite steampunk vibes that set it apart from most other wireless keyboards on the market. Mark Sparrow, Forbes, 14 Feb. 2024 Bidegain recounted in the article that Kirby, meanwhile, wanted the film to have a more definite feminist edge with a radical ending. Elsa Keslassy, Variety, 2 Feb. 2024 Employees wanting to work from home and employers wanting staff to return to the office have sparred since the COVID-19 pandemic—and there’s been no definite answer on what’s truly better for everyone. Byprarthana Prakash, Fortune Europe, 22 Jan. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'definite.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of definite was in 1553

Dictionary Entries Near definite

Cite this Entry

“Definite.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/definite. Accessed 18 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

definite

adjective
def·​i·​nite ˈdef-(ə-)nət How to pronounce definite (audio)
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

More from Merriam-Webster on definite

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!