Home / Dictionary / Definite

Definite Common

Definite has 4 different meanings across 1 category:

Adjective

Definitions
Noun
1

A word or phrase that designates a specified or identified person or entity.

"The definite article "the" is the word used to designate a specific, previously mentioned entity in a sentence."

In plain English: A definite noun is a specific word that names exactly who you are talking about, such as this book right here instead of just any random book.

"The definite article is usually written with an apostrophe, like in don't."

Usage: Use this noun to refer specifically to the words like the and this that point out exactly who or what you are talking about, rather than using it as an adjective meaning certain. It is often confused with "determiner," but while all definite articles are determiners, not every determiner functions as a definite article in this specific sense of identifying entities.

Adjective
1

precise; explicit and clearly defined

"I want a definite answer"

"a definite statement of the terms of the will"

"a definite amount"

"definite restrictions on the sale of alcohol"

"the wedding date is now definite"

"a definite drop in attendance"

2

known for certain

"it is definite that they have won"

3

Having distinct limits.

"The definite boundary between the two properties was clearly marked on the map."

Example Sentences
"The definite article is usually written with an apostrophe, like in don't." noun
"The definite of his speech was so clear that everyone understood immediately." noun
"She waited for the definite before making any further commitments." noun
"His definite about leaving surprised all his friends who thought he would stay." noun
Related Terms
Antonyms
indefinite

Origin

The word definite comes from the Latin dēfīnītus, which is the past participle of dēfīniō. It entered English alongside its relative form, define.

Rhyming Words
ite hite kite qite wite lite bite fite mite vite yite site nite dite gite rite cite elite smite quite
Compare
Definite vs