Indefinite: meaning, definitions and examples
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indefinite
[ ɪnˈdɛfɪnɪt ]
article
not clearly defined or determined; not precise or exact
Synonyms
indeterminate, uncertain, vague.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
Word | Description / Examples |
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indefinite |
Used when something has no specific limit or is not clearly defined. Often describes time periods, plans, or amounts.
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vague |
Used when details are lacking or not clear. It often has a slightly negative connotation, implying a lack of clarity or specifics.
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uncertain |
Used when unsure about something or when a situation could change. Often describes feelings, outcomes, or situations.
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indeterminate |
Used when something cannot be precisely determined or measured. Often used in scientific, technical, or legal contexts.
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Examples of usage
- an indefinite number of possibilities
- the date is indefinite
time
lasting for an unknown or unstated length of time
Synonyms
uncertain, undetermined, unspecified.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
Word | Description / Examples |
---|---|
indefinite |
Used when something has no clear or fixed limits or end point. Often used in formal or technical contexts.
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unspecified |
Used when details or specifics have not been given. Often used in formal or bureaucratic language.
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undetermined |
Used when something has not yet been decided or defined. Often appears in legal, medical, or technical contexts.
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uncertain |
Best used when there is doubt or a lack of assurance about something. Often conveys a sense of anxiety or hesitation.
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Examples of usage
- an indefinite period
- an indefinite delay
mathematics
unlimited or unspecified in extent or amount
Synonyms
boundless, infinite, unlimited.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
Word | Description / Examples |
---|---|
indefinite |
Used when there is no clear end or limit in time, scope, or extent. It often indicates uncertainty or vagueness.
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infinite |
Best used when describing something that is endless or immeasurable in size or duration. Often used in a more abstract sense.
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boundless |
Ideal for describing something that seems extremely large or without any limits or boundaries. Often has a positive connotation.
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unlimited |
Used to emphasize the absence of any limitations or restrictions, often in terms of quantity, resources, or options.
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Examples of usage
- indefinite integral
- indefinite series
Translations
Translations of the word "indefinite" in other languages:
🇵🇹 indefinido
🇮🇳 अनिश्चित
🇩🇪 unbestimmt
🇮🇩 tidak tentu
🇺🇦 невизначений
🇵🇱 nieokreślony
🇯🇵 不定
🇫🇷 indéfini
🇪🇸 indefinido
🇹🇷 belirsiz
🇰🇷 불확실한
🇸🇦 غير محدد
🇨🇿 neurčitý
🇸🇰 neurčitý
🇨🇳 不确定的
🇸🇮 nedoločen
🇮🇸 óákveðið
🇰🇿 белгісіз
🇬🇪 განსაზღვრელი
🇦🇿 müəyyən edilməmiş
🇲🇽 indefinido
Etymology
The word 'indefinite' originated in the late 15th century from the Latin word 'indefinitus', which means 'not defined, vague'. Over time, it has evolved to represent something that is not clearly defined or determined. The term has been widely used in various contexts, including mathematics, time, and general descriptions.
See also: definable, defined, definite, definitive, indefinably, redefine.
Word Frequency Rank
At #7,073 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.
- ...
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- 7076 inquired
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