definite

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adjective def·i·nite \ ˈde-fə-nit , ˈdef-nət \

Definition of definite

1 :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

2 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

3 grammar :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

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definitely

adverb

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definiteness

noun

See definite defined for English-language learners

See definite defined for kids

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 of definite from the Web

But that trend isn’t playing out at his golf club in Southern California, which has seen a definite decline in business, the Washington Post reports.

— claire landsbaum, The Cut, "No One Has Held Their Wedding at This Trump Golf Course Since the Election," 18 July 2017
Wright also posted a recent e-mail from Romero, responding to Wright's request to attend the director's Hollywood Walk of Fame star ceremony: As of now there is no definite date.

— mark walton, Ars Technica, "George A Romero, master of zombie horror, dies at 77," 17 July 2017
A Radio Free Europe report from February acknowledged the game exists online, but no definite links to actual deaths could be determined.

— amber ferguson and kyle swenson, chicagotribune.com, "Family says teen killed himself in 'Blue Whale' challenge that's alarming schools," 12 July 2017
For now, though, there is still no definite proof that AlphaBay's disappearance is related to an exit scam.

— jeff john roberts, Fortune, "‘Exit Scam’ Fears Grow as Drug Market AlphaBay Stays Dark One Week Later," 10 July 2017
However, while the ships proved to be seaworthy, definite weaknesses were shown in the plan.

— david grossman, Popular Mechanics, "The Aircraft Carriers of Ice Designed to Take Down Hitler," 10 July 2017
The musical line up of Chicago blues legend Lurrie Bell, Seth Walker and Walter Wolfman Washington was a definite draw to the inaugural Bayou District Blues Night, June 24 at the Civic Theatre.

— sue strachan, NOLA.com, "Bayou District Blues Night benefit concert features Lurrie Bell, Seth Walker and Walter Wolfman Washington," 5 July 2017
On a recent visit, the Blueberry Raw Wheat, made with blueberries and aged in Merlot barrels, was a definite highlight.

— robert allen, Detroit Free Press, "Kayak tours crawl through several Traverse City breweries," 1 July 2017
There’s even a parking lot next door, a definite plus in an area where street parking can be hard to find.

— cary darling, star-telegram.com, "Junction Craft Kitchen straddles two worlds," 28 June 2017

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.

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.

Origin and Etymology of definite

Latin definitus, past participle of definire — see define

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 1553

See Words from the same year

definite Synonyms

Synonym Discussion of 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.