definite

adjective

def·i·nite | \ ˈde-fə-nit

, ˈdef-nət\

Definition of definite

1a : 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

4a 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

Other Words from definite Synonyms & Antonyms Choose the Right Synonym Spelling: It's Definite NOT Definate More Example Sentences Learn More about definite

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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

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.

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

Each person goes through the list and marks which items are a yes, a maybe, or a definite no. — Suzannah Weiss, Glamour, "17 Foreplay Tips & Ideas You'll Be Dying to Try," 18 Jan. 2019 Cinematographer Juan Camilo Paredes proves a key player, with his superb lensing of a kinetic chase across a sugar cane field a definite highlight. — Gary Goldstein, latimes.com, "Corruption and passion drive challenging Colombian drama 'Guilty Men'," 5 June 2018 Though not quite a mirror image, there is a definite sense of symmetry to the whole, as well as a sense of suspense (and suspension). — Cecil Beaton, Vogue, "Welcome In 2019 With a DIY Art Project, Courtesy of Vogue and Salvador Dalí," 31 Dec. 2018 With all that activity, days of four-plus launches are a definite possibility in the future. — Loren Grush, The Verge, "How to watch four rocket launches on a banner day for the space industry," 18 Dec. 2018 Your doctor or the CDC can point you in the right direction, which may include setting up a definite quitting plan, joining a support group, downloading an app, or managing cravings with specific activities or nicotine replacement therapy. — Sarah Jacoby, SELF, "The FDA Is Cracking Down on JUUL and E-Cigarette Retailers to Curb Teen Vaping," 12 Sep. 2018 Pollsters, though, caution against concluding there has been a definite switch in public opinion, since neither side has definitively pulled away and most surveys have a margin of error of 3 to 4 percentage points. — Jason Douglas, WSJ, "Brexit Revote? Calls for a Second Referendum Grow Louder," 18 Dec. 2018 While a ceremoniously dark lacquer shade is a more typical cold weather selection, the mother-of-two's barely-there polish choice is a definite trend in the making. — Jenna Rennert, Vogue, "Emily Blunt Steps Out with Bare Legs—and Winter's Best Anti-Pedicure," 17 Dec. 2018 The Justice has a definite favorite in her collection: this simple white jabot from South Africa. — Chloe Foussianes, Town & Country, "Ruth Bader Ginsburg's Collars Decoded: What Each Neckpiece Means," 30 Nov. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'definite.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.