Definite: Meaning, Usage & Common Examples

Meaning 1：clear and certain (definite)

definite 🔊

/ˈdefɪnət/

adj.

very clear and sure, with no doubt. Something is not going to change.

Definite meaning illustrated by a clear checkmark in a checkbox, symbolizing certainty.

clear and certain 🔊

➕

/ˈklɪər ænd ˈsɜːrt(ə)n/

adj.

Describes something that is clearly stated, decided, or not likely to change; leaving no room for doubt or ambiguity.

📁 Category：Behaviors & Actions 🔖 Level：Intermediate

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Root Explanation

From Latin 'definitus' (past participle of 'definire' meaning 'to set bounds to'), from 'de-' (completely) + 'finire' (to bound, limit).

💡 Mnemonic

Think of 'finite' as in having an end. 'De-' adds emphasis. So, definite = clearly ended/limited in meaning, leaving no room for doubt.

📖 Example

We need a definite answer by tomorrow so we can make our travel plans. 🔊 We require a clear and certain response by tomorrow to finalize our travel arrangements.

🔗 Collocations

a definite answer – a clear and final response

definite plans – confirmed or settled arrangements

the definite article – the grammatical term for 'the'

🔄 Synonyms

certain (adj.) – Known for sure; established beyond doubt.

specific (adj.) – Clearly defined or identified; precise.

unambiguous (adj.) – Not open to more than one interpretation; clear in meaning.

🚫 Antonyms

vague (adj.) – Not clearly or explicitly stated or expressed.

indefinite (adj.) – Not clearly defined, determined, or limited.

uncertain (adj.) – Not able to be relied on; not known or definite.

🌱 Derivatives

definitely (adv.) – Without doubt; certainly.

definition (n.) – A statement of the exact meaning of a word or the nature of something.

📖 Cultural Story

Entered English in the 1500s from Latin. The core idea of 'setting limits' evolved from marking physical boundaries to describing ideas or facts that are clear, bounded, and not open to interpretation.