Infinity: meaning, definitions and examples

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infinity

 

[ ɪnˈfɪnɪti ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

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

endlessness, limitlessness.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
infinity

Frequently used in mathematical contexts and philosophical discussions to describe something without any bounds or limits.

  • The concept of infinity is essential in calculus.
  • The universe might be infinite.
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.

  • The desert stretched into endlessness in every direction.
  • His job felt like an endlessness of monotonous tasks.
limitlessness

Used to emphasize the absence of any limits or boundaries. It can be used in both literal and metaphorical contexts.

  • The limitlessness of human imagination is astonishing.
  • Space exploration pushes the boundaries of our understanding towards limitlessness.

Examples of usage

  • The number line extends to infinity in both directions.
  • There are an infinite number of prime numbers.
Context #2 | Noun

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?

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Word Description / Examples
infinity

Used in mathematical, philosophical, or scientific contexts to describe something that has no end or limit.

  • The concept of infinity is fundamental in calculus
  • The universe may be infinite in size
boundlessness

Typically used in poetic or literary contexts to evoke a sense of vastness or freedom without limits.

  • She felt a sense of boundlessness when she looked at the vast ocean
  • His creativity seemed to know no boundlessness
immeasurability

Occurs in academic or formal discussions when describing something that cannot be measured due to its vastness or complexity.

  • The immeasurability of human potential is awe-inspiring
  • The project's success is due to the immeasurability of their hard work and dedication

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.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranked #10,462, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.