definite
EnglishEdit
EtymologyEdit
From Latin dēfīnītus, past participle of dēfīniō, whence also English define.
PronunciationEdit
AdjectiveEdit
definite (comparative more definite, superlative most definite)
- Having distinct limits.
- definite dimensions; a definite measure; a definite period or interval
- 1837, William Whewell, chapter 8, in History of the Inductive Sciences[1], volume 3, London: John W. Parker, page 145:
- […] elements combine in definite proportions […]
- Free from any doubt.
- Synonym: unquestionable
- definite knowledge
- Determined; resolved; decided.
- 1611 April (first recorded performance), William Shakespeare, “The Tragedie of Cymbeline”, in Mr. William Shakespeares Comedies, Histories, & Tragedies […] (First Folio), London: […] Isaac Iaggard, and Ed[ward] Blount, published 1623, →OCLC, [Act I, scene vi]:
- […] idiots in this case of favour would
Be wisely definite
- (linguistics) Designating an identified or immediately identifiable person or thing, or group of persons or things
- the definite article
AntonymsEdit
Derived termsEdit
Related termsEdit
TranslationsEdit
having distinct limits
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free from any doubt
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(linguistics) designating an identified or immediately identifiable person or thing
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- The translations below need to be checked and inserted above into the appropriate translation tables. See instructions at Wiktionary:Entry layout § Translations.
Translations to be checked
NounEdit
definite (plural definites)
- (grammar) A word or phrase that designates a specified or identified person or entity.
- (obsolete) Anything that is defined or determined.
ItalianEdit
PronunciationEdit
VerbEdit
definite
- inflection of definire:
AdjectiveEdit
definite
LatinEdit
VerbEdit
dēfīnīte
ReferencesEdit
- “definite”, in Charlton T. Lewis (1891) An Elementary Latin Dictionary, New York: Harper & Brothers
SpanishEdit
VerbEdit
definite
- second-person singular voseo imperative of definir combined with te