Infinity: meaning, definitions and examples
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infinity
[ ɪnˈfɪnɪti ]
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.
|
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.
|
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.
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
Etymology
The word 'infinity' originates from the Latin word 'infinitas', which means 'unboundedness' or 'limitless'. The concept of infinity has been discussed by mathematicians, philosophers, and theologians for centuries. In ancient Greek philosophy, the idea of infinity was explored by thinkers such as Zeno of Elea. The symbol for infinity (∞) was introduced by the English mathematician John Wallis in the 17th century. Today, infinity is a fundamental concept in various fields, including mathematics, physics, and philosophy.
See also: infinitely.