Definite: meaning, definitions and examples

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definite

 

[ ˈdɛfɪnɪt ]

Adjective / Noun
Oxford 3000
Context #1 | Adjective

used to specify a particular thing

clearly defined or identified; not vague or general.

Synonyms

certain, explicit, precise, specific.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
definite

Use this word when you want to express that something is clearly defined or decided with no ambiguity.

  • She gave a definite answer to the question.
  • There is a definite need for more resources.
certain

This word is used when you are sure about something or someone without doubt.

  • I am certain that we will win the game.
  • She needs to be certain before making a decision.
specific

Choose 'specific' when you need to refer to something particular or distinct from a group or category.

  • Can you provide a specific example?
  • She asked for a specific type of bread.
precise

Use 'precise' when describing something that is exact and accurate, often involving great detail.

  • He gave a precise measurement of the room.
  • The scientist recorded her observations with precise accuracy.
explicit

This term is best used when you want to convey that something is stated clearly and in detail, leaving no room for confusion or doubt.

  • The manager gave explicit instructions on how to complete the task.
  • The terms of the agreement were made explicit.

Examples of usage

  • I need a definite answer by tomorrow.
  • She gave a definite date for the meeting.
Context #2 | Noun

in grammar

a word that defines or limits a noun.

Synonyms

clear-cut, conclusive, decisive.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
definite

Used when something is certain and clearly defined. It often relates to something that is not open to doubt or change.

  • We need a definite answer by tomorrow.
  • There is a definite plan in place.
clear-cut

Used when something is very obvious and easy to understand without any confusion or ambiguity. It often refers to situations or decisions.

  • The evidence was clear-cut and left no room for doubt.
  • It's a clear-cut case of negligence.
decisive

Used to describe actions, events, or decisions that are final and have a significant impact, often resolving a situation definitively.

  • His decisive leadership won him the respect of the team.
  • The battle was decisive in the outcome of the war.
conclusive

Used when something provides a final and decisive result or proof, leaving no room for doubt or further investigation.

  • The DNA test provided conclusive evidence.
  • The results of the experiment were conclusive.

Examples of usage

  • In the sentence 'The book on the table is mine,' 'the' is a definite article.

Translations

Translations of the word "definite" in other languages:

🇵🇹 definido

🇮🇳 निश्चित

🇩🇪 bestimmt

🇮🇩 pasti

🇺🇦 визначений

🇵🇱 określony

🇯🇵 明確な

🇫🇷 défini

🇪🇸 definido

🇹🇷 belirli

🇰🇷 명확한

🇸🇦 محدد

🇨🇿 určitý

🇸🇰 určitý

🇨🇳 明确的

🇸🇮 določen

🇮🇸 ákveðinn

🇰🇿 нақты

🇬🇪 განსაზღვრული

🇦🇿 müəyyən

🇲🇽 definido

Etymology

The word 'definite' originated from the Latin word 'definitus', which means 'limited, defined, clear'. It entered the English language in the late 14th century. Over time, its usage evolved to represent something clearly defined or identified, not vague or general.

See also: definable, defined, definitive, indefinably, indefinite, redefine.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #2,262, this word belongs to solid intermediate vocabulary. It's frequently used in both casual and formal contexts and is worth learning for better fluency.