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
2a : 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
4a of floral organs : being constant in number, usually less than 20, and occurring in multiples of the petal number stamens definiteb : cymose a definite inflorescence
definitely
adverbdefiniteness
nounRead the Latest from M-W
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
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Track and field plans aren't definite for Wilson, but that is her desire.
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Definite highlights include the Mascot, a cabernet made from the younger vines of Harlan Estate, Bond, and Promontory, and Melka Wines’ Métisse Martinez cabernet.
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Negroes could make a definite contribution to good race relations by remaining away from beaches where their presence is resented.
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A: The AVMA, veterinary medicine’s leading professional group, thinks feeding raw diets to pets is a definite no-no.
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There was a definite air of intensity surrounding the team.
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But there has been a definite uptick in the targeted killing of scholars — widely known as ulema — as the Taliban have intensified their offensives in the past two years, officials say.
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Those scoring 6 or lower are not on the spectrum; scores of 7 to 8 place them on the spectrum; and 9 and above indicates definite autism.
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(Those searching for a more definite coda can turn to Mr. Steinberg’s book.)
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
First Known Use: 1553
Synonym Discussion of definite
DEFINITE Defined for Kids
definite
playDefinition of definite for Students
1 : having certain or distinct limits a definite period of time
2 : clear in meaning a definite answer
3 : unquestionable Your grades show a definite improvement.
definitely
adverbLearn More about definite
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Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for definite Spanish Central: Translation of definite Nglish: Translation of definite for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of definite for Arabic speakers
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