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 One thing is definite: If the sounds are too loud, using a sleep machine or app will damage your hearing. — Sandee Lamotte, CNN, "The truth about white (and pink and brown) noise for sleep," 18 Mar. 2021 The Minnesota Valley Transit Authority has been in communication with the city on potential detours, if needed, but has not announced any definite plans, said spokesman Richard Crawford. — Tim Harlow, Star Tribune, "Metro Transit, other agencies prepare for Chauvin trial," 5 Mar. 2021 An additional 46% have considered resuming travel in the near future, with no definite plans. — Ali Shahbaz, Forbes, "Surprising Details You Can’t Miss About Pandemic Air Travel In 2021," 2 Mar. 2021 The Celtics were still short of whole, but Fournier’s presence came as a definite boost to a team looking for a quality veteran to relieve the scoring pressure on Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown. — BostonGlobe.com, "Celtics hope Evan Fournier is able to weave a little magic in Boston," 29 Mar. 2021 Opening Day starter John Means is the only true definite piece, while rookies Dean Kremer and Keegan Akin entered camp in good positions and might not have lost them despite uneven springs. — Jon Meoli, baltimoresun.com, "For Orioles’ Bruce Zimmermann, obstacles to Opening Day roster might come from outside the organization," 26 Mar. 2021 But there are also some new releases that look like definite winners. — Zach Epstein, BGR, "Netflix will release 53 new original movies and shows in April – here’s the full list," 25 Mar. 2021 Today pho still draws a line through Vietnam as definite as any on a map: southerners tend to eat sweet, spicy decadent noodles, and northerners take them crisp and pure. — The Economist, "Hot soup: Vietnam is a country divided by a common pho," 24 Mar. 2021 Adams has no definite timeline for making his next hire. — Carol Schram, Forbes, "NHL’s Last-Place Buffalo Sabres Fire Coach Ralph Krueger," 17 Mar. 2021

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.