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 Phrases Containing definite Learn More About definite

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. See More

Recent Examples on the Web According to TVLine, that's a definite possibility. — Katie Bowlby, Country Living, 2 Jan. 2022 In 2010 alone, more than 20 recent moms died as a definite or probable result of their mental health. — IndyStar, 20 Dec. 2021 Now that La Niña has formed in the Pacific, the chances of a few more storms popping up before the end of the season is a definite possibility. — Jennifer Gray, CNN, 1 Nov. 2021 However, Samuel says there's definite value in training with sets of lower reps, even down to just two to three reps. — Jeff Tomko, Men's Health, 26 May 2022 Where once natural gas had a definite advantage, that gap is closing. — Tim Fitzpatrick, The Salt Lake Tribune, 26 May 2022 Nowstalgia is always going to be a definite yes for me. — Jasmine Washington, Seventeen, 26 May 2022 But while the marketplace overall is more crowded than ever, Greenstein said there are definite benefits to marketing 21st century movies. — Cynthia Littleton, Variety, 24 May 2022 What's so interesting about The Staircase is that viewers will walk away not knowing if Michael is truly innocent or guilty, but there's a definite point of view on the American justice system. — Rebecca Theodore-vachon, Harper's BAZAAR, 24 May 2022 See More

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.