Infinity: meaning, definitions and examples
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infinity
[ɪnˈfɪnɪti ]
Definitions
mathematics
The concept of infinity refers to a quantity that is endless or limitless. It is used to describe something that goes on forever without an endpoint.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| infinity |
Frequently used in mathematical contexts and philosophical discussions to describe something without any bounds or limits.
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| endlessness |
Often used to describe something that seems to go on forever, usually in a poetic or literary sense. It can also imply a lack of a clear end or goal.
|
| limitlessness |
Used to emphasize the absence of any limits or boundaries. It can be used in both literal and metaphorical contexts.
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Examples of usage
- The number line extends to infinity in both directions.
- There are an infinite number of prime numbers.
philosophy
In philosophy, infinity can refer to the idea of something that is boundless, immeasurable, or beyond comprehension.
Synonyms
boundlessness, immeasurability.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| infinity |
Used in mathematical, philosophical, or scientific contexts to describe something that has no end or limit.
|
| boundlessness |
Typically used in poetic or literary contexts to evoke a sense of vastness or freedom without limits.
|
| immeasurability |
Occurs in academic or formal discussions when describing something that cannot be measured due to its vastness or complexity.
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Examples of usage
- The concept of infinity is often debated in metaphysics.
- Human understanding may struggle to grasp the idea of infinity.
Interesting Facts
Etymology
- The word comes from the Latin 'infinitas,' which means 'unboundedness' or 'endlessness.'
- In Middle English, the term 'infiniti' was used to describe the idea of being unlimited or unmeasured.
Mathematics
- In mathematics, infinity is often represented by the symbol '∞' and used in calculus to describe limits that go beyond any finite value.
- There are different sizes of infinity; for example, the set of all real numbers is 'larger' than the set of all whole numbers.
Philosophy
- Philosophically, infinity raises questions about the nature of reality, existence, and the universe's boundaries.
- Many philosophers, such as Aristotle, debated the concept, pondering whether infinity could truly exist in the physical world.
Literature
- Infinity has been a theme in various literary works, representing eternal love, endless journey, or unanswerable questions.
- The poetic exploration of infinity often reflects humans’ desire to grasp concepts beyond comprehension, as seen in works by poets like Emily Dickinson.
Pop Culture
- In movies like 'Interstellar,' infinity is portrayed in the context of space and time, pushing the limits of human understanding and exploration.
- The phrase 'To infinity and beyond!' made famous by Toy Story's Buzz Lightyear, plays with the idea of boundless adventure.
Translations
Translations of the word "infinity" in other languages:
🇵🇹 infinito
🇮🇳 अनंत
🇩🇪 Unendlichkeit
🇮🇩 tak terbatas
🇺🇦 безкінечність
🇵🇱 nieskończoność
🇯🇵 無限 (むげん)
🇫🇷 infini
🇪🇸 infinito
🇹🇷 sonsuzluk
🇰🇷 무한
🇸🇦 لانهاية
🇨🇿 nekonečno
🇸🇰 nekonečno
🇨🇳 无限 (wúxiàn)
🇸🇮 neskončnost
🇮🇸 óendanleiki
🇰🇿 шексіздік
🇬🇪 უსასრულობა
🇦🇿 sonsuzluq
🇲🇽 infinito