Indefinitely
/ɪnˈdefɪnətli/
Definitions
For an unlimited or unspecified amount of time.
/ɪnˈdefɪnətli/
For an unlimited or unspecified time.
The concert has been postponed indefinitely due to the weather.
💡 Simply: Imagine you're waiting for something, but nobody knows when it will happen. You're waiting indefinitely – meaning you're not given a specific time.
👶 For kids: It means something will happen, but we don't know when. It could be a long time!
More Examples
The investigation will continue indefinitely until all the facts are revealed.
The library's closure has been extended indefinitely because of the ongoing renovations.
How It's Used
"The prisoner was sentenced to remain in custody indefinitely."
"Due to budget cuts, the project has been postponed indefinitely."
"The meeting was delayed indefinitely."
From Latin *in-* (not) + *definītus* (defined, limited), from *dēfinīre* (to define). The word evolved in meaning to encompass situations that lack defined boundaries in time or space.
The word 'indefinitely' gained more common usage during the 18th and 19th centuries, particularly in legal and administrative contexts, when it was useful to describe situations or actions whose durations were not or could not be pre-determined.
Memory tip
Think of 'in' (not) 'definite' (limited). So, 'not limited' in time.