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

Unlike the Heat, this should have a definite answer Monday afternoon. — Dave Hyde, sun-sentinel.com, "Hyde5: Heat deal Whiteside in win-win; now must salvage Jimmy Butler trade," 1 July 2019 But that doesn't mean his lead in the state is definite. — CBS News, "South Carolina Democratic voters seem willing to look past party purity tests," 24 June 2019 All but one didn’t endure the harsh winter, and the lone survivor shows definite signs of distress in its evergreen leaves. — Suzanne Baker, Naperville Sun, "Polar vortex blamed for browning boxwoods and other trees, shrubs," 9 June 2019 To some researchers, the experiments suggest that quantum objects are as definite as droplets, and that they too are guided by pilot waves — in this case, fluid-like undulations in space and time. — Quanta Magazine, "Fluid Tests Hint at Concrete Quantum Reality," 24 June 2014 Her skirt suit had a definite '80s vibe, complete with accentuated shoulders: As usual, the Kardashian-Jenners didn't come to play. — Amy Mackelden, Harper's BAZAAR, "Kylie Jenner and Kim Kardashian's Met Gala Afterparty Looks Were Skintight and See-Through," 7 May 2019 Pompeo would not say that the summit is a definite go for Singapore on June 12 and could not say if that decision would be made after Trump reads Kim Jong Un's letter. — CBS News, "Top North Korean official expected to deliver letter to Trump in Washington," 1 June 2018 Alternatively, the coffee bar upstairs is attached to the guest bedroom, which is brown and neutral toned overall (although the satin blue wallpaper is a definite fun addition). — Nikhita Mahtani, House Beautiful, "You've Got to See How This Glamorous 10,000-Square-Foot Home Came Together," 26 Apr. 2019 There’s a definite impulse to call this strong showing by female acts the Beyoncé Effect, as Coachella has historically not been a festival known for women running the show—not in the least. — Michelle Ruiz, Vogue, "One Year After Beychella, a New Era of Female Domination in the Desert," 15 Apr. 2019

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.