Definite
/ˈdefɪnət/
Definitions
2 meaningsClearly and precisely expressed or known; certain.
/ˈdefɪnət/
Clearly stated or decided; not vague or doubtful.
The instructions were very definite.
💡 Simply: It's like knowing the answer for sure! If your plans are definite, you've already decided what you're doing, and there's no chance of changing them.
👶 For kids: When something is definite, it means it's for sure! Like, 'I'm definitely having ice cream after dinner!'
More Examples
Do you have a definite answer?
She has a definite plan for the weekend.
How It's Used
"The date of the meeting is definite."
"The contract includes a definite clause regarding termination."
Having fixed or specified limits; bounded.
/ˈdefɪnət/
Having distinct limits; specific.
The definite article in the sentence is 'the'.
💡 Simply: Imagine a garden plot. A definite garden plot has defined borders. You know exactly where the garden starts and ends.
👶 For kids: It's when something has a clear start and end, like a fence around a yard.
More Examples
We need a definite timeframe for the project.
The artist used definite lines in the painting.
How It's Used
"A definite integral has specific limits of integration."
Idioms & expressions
for definite
Absolutely; without a doubt.
"I know, for definite, that I’ll be there."
From Latin *definitus*, past participle of *definire* meaning 'to set bounds to, limit, define', from *de-* 'off, away' + *finire* 'to end, set limits'.
The word 'definite' has been in use since the 16th century and has maintained a similar meaning.
Memory tip
Think of the word 'finite' – definite is like saying something has finite boundaries, a clear limit.
Word Origin
"to set bounds to, limit, define"