finite

adjective

fi·​nite ˈfī-ˌnīt 

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"

finite noun

finitely adverb

finiteness noun

Synonyms of finite

• limited
• confined

Examples of finite in a Sentence

a finite number of possibilities

the earth's finite supply of natural resources

the finite human lifespan

a finite verb such as “is” or “are”

Recent Examples on the Web

Long a stable democracy, Uruguay issues permanent residency permissions rather than a visa of an explicit finite duration. — William P. Barrett, Forbes.com, 31 July 2026

Andropause is a slow, decades-long decline in testosterone that some men barely notice, while menopause is a finite process that ends female reproductive function typically between ages 45 and 55. — Samantha Agate, Kansas City Star, 27 July 2026

Parents who are expecting a new baby or dealing with sibling squabbles can all benefit from the reminder that love is not a finite resource—everyone in the family is loved immensely and equally. — Kara Nesvig, Parents, 27 July 2026

The horror showrunner doesn’t see this particular adaptation as a finite story. — Nick Romano, Entertainment Weekly, 27 July 2026

Word History

Etymology

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 finish entry 1

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing finite

• finite difference

Rhymes for finite

• affright
• airtight
• albite
• alight
• alright
• aplite
• aright
• bainite
• birthright
• bobwhite
• bornite
• bullfight

Kids Definition

finite

adjective

fi·​nite ˈfī-ˌnīt 

1

: having certain limits : limited in scope or nature : not infinite

2

: limited in grammatical person and number

a finite verb

finitely adverb

finiteness noun