Indefinite
/ɪnˈdefɪnət/
Definitions
3 meaningsNot having a fixed or determined limit or meaning; vague; uncertain.
/ɪnˈdefɪnət/
Not clearly defined or limited; vague.
The meeting was postponed for an indefinite period.
💡 Simply: Imagine you're planning a trip but don't know when you're going or how long you'll be gone. That's indefinite! It's like saying "some time" or "maybe later."
👶 For kids: When something is indefinite, it means it's not sure when or how much. Like when you're not sure when dinner will be ready.
More Examples
The terms of the contract were deliberately left indefinite.
The exact details of the plan remain indefinite.
How It's Used
"The prisoner was given an indefinite sentence."
"The project was postponed for an indefinite period."
Lacking limits; especially in space or time.
/ɪnˈdefɪnət/
Lacking clear limits or boundaries in space or time.
The concept of infinity is often described as indefinite.
💡 Simply: Imagine something that doesn't have a specific ending point. Like infinity. It's indefinite because there's no definite stop.
👶 For kids: When something is indefinite, it's like it goes on forever and ever, without a stop.
More Examples
The artist aimed to create an indefinite form to portray the vastness of the ocean.
The scope of the project was left indefinite so the team could explore various options.
How It's Used
"The indefinite integral is a general antiderivative."
A word (such as a pronoun or adjective) that does not refer to a specific person or thing; e.g., some, any, someone.
/ɪnˈdefɪnət/
A pronoun, article, or adjective that does not refer to a specific person or thing.
The use of indefinite articles can impact the readability of the sentence.
💡 Simply: Think of words like 'someone,' 'anyone,' or 'something.' These are indefinite because they don't point to one specific thing. They're like a general idea.
👶 For kids: An indefinite is a word like 'some' or 'any'. It doesn't tell you exactly who or what.
More Examples
Indefinites often require the addition of other words to provide context to the sentence.
She used indefinite pronouns in her essay to make it sound less formal.
How It's Used
"Words like "a", "an", "some", and "any" are considered indefinites."
From Middle French *indéfini*, from Latin *indefinitus* (“unlimited, undefined”), from *in-* (“not”) + *definitus* (past participle of *definire* “to define”).
The word "indefinite" appeared in English in the late 16th century, reflecting a growing need to express lack of specific limits or clarity in various contexts, including philosophical discussions and legal terminology.
Memory tip
Think of a shape that has no clear boundaries or limits - it's indefinite.
Word Origin
"Not defined, unlimited."