finite

adjective fi·nite \ ˈfī-ˌnīt \

|Updated on: 10 Aug 2018

Examples: finite in a Sentence

Definition of finite

1 a : having definite or definable limits

a finite number of possibilities

b : having a limited nature or existence

finite beings

2 : completely determinable in theory or in fact by counting, measurement, or thought

the finite velocity of light

3 a : less than an arbitrary positive integer and greater than the negative of that integer

b : having a finite number of elements

a finite set

4 : of, relating to, or being a verb or verb form that can function as a predicate or as the initial element of one and that is limited (as in tense, person, and number)

finite verbs such as "is" and "are"

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finite

noun

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finitely

adverb

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finiteness

noun

See finite defined for English-language learners

See finite defined for kids

Examples of finite in a Sentence

a finite number of possibilities
the earth's finite supply of natural resources
the finite human life span
a finite verb such as “is” or “are”

Recent Examples of finite from the Web

Infinity War doesn’t undo Ragnarok, but positions it as a prologue to a reality where plans don’t always come to fruition and the ability to escape is finite.

— richard newby, The Hollywood Reporter, "The Boundless Potential of Thor," 6 May 2018
The finite number of professional sports teams ensures that.

— jordan guskey, Indianapolis Star, "Local broadcaster Pat Boylan is a rising star," 15 June 2018
In the late nineteenth century, many saw physical energy as a finite resource that had to be carefully parceled out, not a power that could be renewed through exercise.

— aaron gilbreath, Longreads, "The Wheel, the Woman, and the Human Body," 6 July 2018
With finite resources to catch athletes who are cheating and deter any who might be considering it, Usada opts for testing that is reasonable if not random.

— karen crouse, New York Times, "For Tennis Players, Numbers in Antidoping Program Don’t Add Up," 3 July 2018
America's airspace is a finite resource, and the growth of commercial launches has U.S. airlines worried.

— justin bachman, chicagotribune.com, "Commercial rockets are making life complicated for airlines," 2 July 2018
Every organization has a finite amount of resources.

— kent p. scribner, star-telegram, "FWISD superintendent announces "turnaround" at some low-performing elementary schools," 28 June 2018
America’s airspace is a finite resource, and the growth of commercial launches has U.S. airlines worried.

— Fortune, "Commercial Rockets Are Making Life Complicated for Airlines," 27 June 2018
America’s airspace is a finite resource, and the growth of commercial launches has U.S. airlines worried.

— justin bachman, latimes.com, "Commercial space launches are making life complicated for airlines," 27 June 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'finite.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of finite

Middle English, borrowed from Latin fīnītus "specific, definite, having bounds or limits," from past participle of fīnīre "to mark out the boundaries, limit, put an end to, bring to a close" — more at ¹finish

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 15th century

in the meaning defined at sense 1a

See Words from the same year

finite Synonyms

FINITE Defined for English Language Learners

finite

adjective

Definition of finite for English Language Learners

: having limits : having a limited nature
grammar : of or relating to a verb form that shows action that takes place at a particular time (such as the past)

FINITE Defined for Kids

finite

adjective fi·nite \ ˈfī-ˌnīt \

Definition of finite for Students

: having definite limits

I was given a finite number of choices.

Word Root of finite

The Latin word finis, meaning “end” or “boundary,” gives us the root fin. Words from the Latin finis have something to do with ends or limits. Something final, such as the last chapter in a book, is the ending one. To confine is to put limits or boundaries around something. To finish something is to come to its end. Something finite has limits and happens only for a certain amount of time or in a certain space before it ends.