definite Hear it!

definite Definition

defi·nite (def′ə nit)

adjective

  1. having exact limits
  2. precise and clear in meaning; explicit
  3. certain; positive it's definite that he'll go
  4. Bot. having a constant number of stamens, etc., less than 20 but always a multiple of the number of petals
  5. Gram. limiting or specifying; referring to a specific or previously identified person, thing, etc. “the” is the definite article

Etymology: L definitus, pp. of definire: see define

definite Related Forms

def′i·nitely adverb def′i·nite·ness noun

definite Synonyms

definite

modif.

  1. Determined with exactness

    fixed, exact, precise, positive, accurate, correct, decisive, absolute, clearly defined, well-defined, circumscribed, limited, bounded, strict, explicit, specific, particular, settled, determinate, decided, prescribed, restricted, assigned, unequivocal, rigorous, special, express, conclusive, formal, categorical, unerring, unimpeachable, to the point, substantially correct, beyond doubt, hard and fast; see also certain 3, determined 1.

    Antonyms obscure*, indefinite*, inexact. *

  2. Clear in detail

    sharp, distinct, visible, audible, tangible, clear, vivid, minute, unambiguous, unmistakable in meaning, straightforward, obvious, marked, plain, not vague, well-drawn, clearly defined, well-marked, well-defined, clear-cut, explicit, unmistakable, distinguishable, silhouetted, palpable, well-grounded, indubitable, undistorted, crisp, bold, ringing, severe, graphic, downright, in focus, in relief, undisguised, in plain sight, clear as day, standing out like a sore thumb*.

    Antonyms confused*, vague*, hazy. *

  3. Positive

    certain, sure, beyond doubt, convinced; see certain 1, inevitable. See syn. study at explicit.

definite Usage Examples

Infinitive complement

enable: Their agreement was sufficiently definite to enable the surveyors and, pace the courts below, this court, to give it practical meaning.

Adjective complement with noun phrase

  • have: But I have nothing definite to write the emperor about him.
  • hear: We hope to hear something definite on that this week.
  • get: I will make inquiry and see if I can get anything definite.

Modifies a noun

  • conclusion: These also failed to come to a definite conclusion.
  • no-no: We also never had the SENCO writing them; that is a definite no-no in my LEA.
  • plus: Screenshots are available for each step of the way, which is a definite plus.
  • diagnosis: However, an endoscopy test - with a biopsy of the small bowel lining - is required for a definite diagnosis to be made.
  • advantage: Removing of unwanted material from shed blood is a definite advantage.
  • article: Do not use the definite article ' the ' .

Modifying Another Word

  • sufficiently: Their agreement was sufficiently definite to enable the surveyors and, pace the courts below, this court, to give it practical meaning.
  • very: In his own mind he had a very definite theory about the murder.
  • quite: It's quite definite that the Russians will attack there.
  • fairly: Sophie has always had a fairly definite ideas about who she wanted to be.
  • pretty: When asked recently if he might reprise the series Maupin gave a pretty definite no.
  • almost: However, 7:84 Theater Company sees all funding cease in August and almost definite closure.

Used with adjective complement

  • seem: You seem definite about that, what makes you so sure, out of interest?
  • become: This table will be amended as plans become more definite.
  • have: We have definite May Ball performances lined up, and are looking to play other gigs around Cambridge as well.
  • make: It was capable of being made definite without further agreement.