Finite
/ˈfaɪnaɪt/
Definitions
Having a limit or end; not infinite or boundless; measurable.
/ˈfaɪnaɪt/
Having limits; not infinite.
The universe is a finite place, even if it's very, very big.
💡 Simply: If something is finite, it means it has a limit or an end. Imagine you have a finite amount of cookies – once you eat them all, they're gone!
👶 For kids: Something that is finite has an end. Like a game that finishes.
More Examples
Our resources on Earth are finite and must be used responsibly.
The lifespan of a mayfly is remarkably finite.
How It's Used
"The set of natural numbers less than 10 is a finite set."
"Human knowledge is finite; we cannot know everything."
"A finite state machine has a limited number of states."
From Latin finitus, past participle of finire, 'to finish, set limits'.
Used in philosophical and mathematical contexts since the early 17th century.
Memory tip
Think of a 'finish line' – finite things have an end.
Word Origin
"to finish, to limit"