Finitude: Definition, Usage & Examples

Meaning 1：limited nature (finitude)

finitude 🔊

/ˈfɪnɪtjuːd/

the fact that something has an end or a limit, and is not infinite.

Finitude concept illustrated by an hourglass with flowing sand, symbolizing limited time on a wooden table.

limited nature 🔊

➕

/ˈlɪmɪtɪd ˈneɪtʃər/

The condition or quality of having an end or limit, as opposed to being infinite.

📁 Category：Time & Dates 🔖 Level：Advanced

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Root Explanation

From Latin 'finis' (end) + '-tude' (state), meaning the state of being finite.

💡 Mnemonic

Think 'finite' + 'tude' – the attitude of having an end or limit.

📖 Example

Discussing natural resources often leads to a sobering awareness of their finitude. 🔊 Talking about natural resources often makes people soberly realize that they are limited.

🔗 Collocations

acknowledge the finitude – to recognize that something is limited

philosophical finitude – the concept of human limitations in philosophy

temporal finitude – the limited nature of time

🔄 Synonyms

limitation (n.) – a restriction or bound that defines an end

boundedness (n.) – the quality of having limits or boundaries

finiteness (n.) – the state of being finite or having an end

🚫 Antonyms

infinity (n.) – the state of being infinite or without end

boundlessness (n.) – the quality of having no limits or boundaries

perpetuity (n.) – the state of lasting forever without end

🌱 Derivatives

finite (adj.) – having limits or bounds; not infinite

infinite (adj.) – without limits or end; endless

📖 Cultural Story

The word 'finitude' entered English in the 17th century from Latin 'finitus', meaning 'limited', often used in philosophical contexts to discuss human limitations and mortality.