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definite

definite

155 1.6
Clearly stated or decided and not vague
  • adjective
  • /ˈdɛfɪnɪt/
translation icon : definido
  • I was going to tell you before, but I wanted to wait until it was definite.
  • a definite conclusion
  • very definite
  • a definite idea

But there is there is definite value in work.

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Examples

  • But Lydia and I, we have a definite psychic connection.

  • The one place that's showing a definite increase is Scotland.

  • There is something definite about you, he said.

  • But when I say stand on business, if it's not a definite yes, it's a no.

  • I think it has definite potential.

  • Yeah, it's a definite possibility.

  • When teachers do, it can be a definite plus in working with students.

    Academic text (1991)
  • I've formed a very definite opinion.

  • Allan Grant had entered marriage with the definite idea that it was a lifetime commitment.

    Fiction book (1992)
  • The instructions were so clear that everyone had a definite understanding of what to do.

Synonyms

specific
vsdefinite
3.9

Clearly defined and exact for a particular thing or person

is clear in general rather than narrowly particular
precise
vsdefinite
286 3.6

Exactly correct and clear about small details

is clear in meaning but not focused on exactness
explicit
vsdefinite
142 4.8

Clear and detailed so there is no confusion

is clear without requiring lengthy detailed explanation
definitive
vsdefinite
79 5.6

Clearly decided and not likely to change

is clear or decided without stressing finality
clear-cut
vsdefinite
27 4.2

Easy to see and understand

is clear but may not be sharply separated
unequivocal
vsdefinite
  • Formal
24 6.7

Completely clear and leaving no doubt

is clear but may allow minor uncertainty
decisive
vsdefinite
11 3.2

So clear that it leaves no doubt

is clear yet can be less forceful in outcome
categoric
vsdefinite
6.4

Shows something clearly and firmly so people have no doubt

is clear yet can allow mild qualification
specified
vsdefinite
  • Formal
4.1

Clearly and exactly said or written, for example on a form

is clear in general use rather than formally declared
decided
vsdefinite
2.6

Very clear and easy to notice

is clear but may be less strongly noticeable

Antonyms

230 4.6

Not clear or detailed so you are unsure what is meant

68 6.3

Not clear because it can have more than one meaning

39 4.0

Not clearly fixed or known, with no set end date

Compounds

The word 'the' that you put before a noun shows people know which one

definite integral
  • Specialized
8.1

A number that shows the area under a curve between two points

A clear exact amount of something that is needed

6.1

A pure substance always contains the same elements in the same amounts by weight

How Definite

unequivocal
  • Formal
24 6.7
categorical
5 7.2
explicit
142 4.8
definite
155 1.6
clear
1.0
unclear
207 3.9
vague
230 4.6

Surface Forms

definite positive
definitive comparative
definitest superlative

Morphology

definite = finite (semi-transparent) = de + finite

The form 'de-' + 'finite' is visible, but 'de-' here does not mean simple negation and the precise sense 'clearly limited or determined' may not be obvious to learners.

Etymology

The word definite comes from Latin parts de- meaning 'completely' and finis meaning 'end' or 'limit', like in finish and final. So something definite has a clear 'end' or limit and is certain, not vague.