definite

adjective

def·​i·​nite ˈde-fə-nit 

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.

Synonyms

• bounded
• circumscribed
• defined
• determinate
• finite
• limited
• measured
• narrow
• restricted

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

There’s a definite purity-politics flavor to any suggestion that people should take a moral stand and leave a social network, but also a pretty airtight case to be made for boycotting it. —Charlie Warzel, The Atlantic, 23 May 2025

Having an outdoor dog or cat creates a definite warning for rabbits to stay away. —Mary Marlowe Leverette, Southern Living, 21 May 2025

In unaided awareness, total awareness, definite interest, Final Reckoning is ahead of 2023’s Dead Reckoning which did $54.6M over three days in what was a $78.4M five-day total. —Anthony D'alessandro, Deadline, 21 May 2025

Man Utd in talks with Delap and Cunha There’s a definite trend of Europe’s big clubs getting their ducks in a row on the transfer front early. —Phil Hay, New York Times, 20 May 2025

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

Phrases Containing definite

• definite article
• definite integral
• law of definite proportions
• positive definite

Rhymes for definite

• indefinite

Kids Definition

definite

adjective

def·​i·​nite ˈdef-(ə-)nət 

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