Infinite Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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infinite

[ˈɪnfɪnɪt ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

mathematics

Limitless or endless in space, extent, or size; impossible to measure or calculate.

Synonyms

boundless, endless, limitless.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
infinite

Use when referring to something that has no limits or end, often used in mathematical, philosophical, or abstract contexts.

  • The universe is infinite
  • Her love for her child seems infinite
endless

Emphasizes something that has no apparent end or is perceived to go on indefinitely, often used in talking about time or large quantities.

  • They faced an endless series of problems
  • The desert seemed endless
limitless

Conveys the idea of having no limits or constraints, often used to inspire or describe potential and possibilities.

  • Her creativity seemed limitless
  • The possibilities are limitless
boundless

Describes something that is vast and appears to have no boundaries, often used in a poetic or emotional sense.

  • He had boundless energy
  • The ocean appeared boundless from the shore

Examples of usage

  • The concept of infinity is often used in calculus.
  • Infinite numbers are represented using the infinity symbol (∞).
Context #2 | Noun

philosophy

A space or quantity that is infinitely large or indefinitely great.

Synonyms

eternity, immensity, perpetuity.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
infinite

Use when describing something without any limits, often used in scientific or mathematical contexts.

  • The universe is considered infinite in size.
  • He has an infinite number of possibilities before him.
eternity

Best used when referring to endless time or something that lasts forever, often in a philosophical or religious context.

  • She promised to love him for eternity.
  • Many people believe in an afterlife that lasts for eternity.
immensity

Appropriate when describing something extremely large or vast, often physical spaces or abstract concepts of great scale.

  • The immensity of the ocean left him in awe.
  • They were struck by the immensity of the task ahead.
perpetuity

Best used in legal, financial, or formal contexts to describe something that continues indefinitely or for an unlimited duration.

  • The scholarship fund will support students in perpetuity.
  • The conditions of the trust are set to remain in perpetuity.

Examples of usage

  • Infinity is a concept that has intrigued philosophers for centuries.
  • The idea of infinity is difficult for the human mind to comprehend.
Context #3 | Adverb

colloquial

To an unlimited degree; infinitely.

Synonyms

boundlessly, endlessly, limitlessly.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
infinite

Used to describe something that has no end or limit, often in a theoretical or mathematical context.

  • The universe is often considered infinite in size and potential
  • Mathematicians deal with the concept of infinite numbers
endlessly

Used to describe something that continues without an end, often in a practical or observable sense. Can sometimes have a negative connotation when describing something tedious or tiring.

  • The road stretched endlessly before us
  • We've been waiting endlessly for the meeting to start
limitlessly

Used to describe something that is without limits or restrictions, often in a more abstract or figurative sense.

  • He pursued his dreams limitlessly, without worrying about failure
  • The human imagination can extend limitlessly
boundlessly

Used to describe something that continues without restraint or boundaries, often in a more poetic or enthusiastic context.

  • She loved him boundlessly, without any reservation
  • His creativity seemed to flow boundlessly

Examples of usage

  • She loved him infinitely.
  • The possibilities are infinitely vast.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Mathematics

  • In math, infinity is often represented by the symbol '∞,' showing that numbers can go infinitely high.
  • There are different sizes of infinity; for example, the infinity of real numbers is larger than that of integers.

Philosophy

  • Philosophers have debated the concept of infinity for centuries, pondering how the universe could be infinite or finite.
  • Infinity poses questions in metaphysics about the nature of existence and the infinite divisibility of time and space.

Science

  • In astronomy, the universe is often thought to be infinite, extending beyond what we can currently observe.
  • Some theories in physics, such as string theory, propose the existence of infinite dimensions beyond our perception.

Literature

  • Writers like Jorge Luis Borges have explored themes of infinity in works that challenge perceptions of time and narrative structure.
  • In poetry, the idea of infinite love or infinite beauty is a common motif, showing the boundless nature of emotions.

Origin of 'infinite'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Latin 'infinitus,' which means 'unbounded' or 'unlimited.'
  • In Greek, 'apeiron' means 'unlimited' and was often used to describe the infinite nature of the universe.

The word 'infinite' has Latin origins, coming from the word 'infinitus', which means 'unbounded' or 'endless'. The concept of infinity has been discussed in various fields such as mathematics, philosophy, and theology. In mathematics, infinity is a fundamental concept used to describe something that has no limit or bound. Philosophers have debated the nature of infinity and its implications for human understanding of the universe. The idea of infinity has sparked curiosity and contemplation throughout history, leading to profound insights and questions about the nature of reality and existence.


Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #3,864, this word is part of upper-intermediate vocabulary. While not among the most basic terms, it appears often enough to be valuable for advanced communication.