definite Definition
defi·nite (def′ə nit)
adjective
- having exact limits
- precise and clear in meaning; explicit
- certain; positive it's definite that he'll go
- Bot. having a constant number of stamens, etc., less than 20 but always a multiple of the number of petals
- 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
definite Synonyms
definite
modif.
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. * 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*. 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.
Browse dictionary entries near definite
- ‹ defined contribution pension plan
- ‹ defined benefit plan
- ‹ define
- ‹ definable
- ‹ defilement
- ‹ defile
- ‹ defilade
- ‹ defier
- ‹ deficit spending
- ‹ deficit net worth
- definite integral ›
- definitely ›
- definition ›
- definitive ›
- definitive host ›
- definitude ›
- deflagrate ›
- deflate ›
- deflation ›
- deflator ›

