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definite

   Also found in: Acronyms, Wikipedia 0.37 sec.
def·i·nite  (df-nt)
adj.
1. Having distinct limits: definite restrictions on the sale of alcohol.
2. Indisputable; certain: a definite victory.
3. Clearly defined; explicitly precise: a definite statement of the terms of the will. See Synonyms at explicit.
4. Grammar Limiting or particularizing.
5. Botany
a. Of a specified number not exceeding 20, as certain floral organs, especially stamens.
b. Cymose; determinate.

[Middle English diffinite, defined, from Latin dfntus, past participle of dfnre, to define; see define.]

defi·nite·ly adv.
defi·nite·ness n.
Usage Note: Definite and definitive both apply to what is precisely defined or explicitly set forth. But definitive most often refers specifically to a judgment or description that serves as a standard or reference point for others, as in the definitive decision of the court (which sets forth a final resolution of a judicial matter) or the definitive biography of Nelson (that is, the biography that sets the standard against which all other accounts of Nelson's life must be measured).

definite
Adjective
1. firm, clear, and precise: I have very definite views on this subject
2. having precise limits or boundaries
3. known for certain: it's definite that they have won [Latin definitus limited, distinct]
definitely adv
ThesaurusLegend:  Synonyms Related Words Antonyms
Adj.1.definite - 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"
clear - readily apparent to the mind; "a clear and present danger"; "a clear explanation"; "a clear case of murder"; "a clear indication that she was angry"; "gave us a clear idea of human nature"
defined - clearly characterized or delimited; "lost in a maze of words both defined and undefined"; "each child has clearly defined duties"
distinct - easy to perceive; especially clearly outlined; "a distinct flavor"; "a distinct odor of turpentine"; "a distinct outline"; "the ship appeared as a distinct silhouette"; "distinct fingerprints"
explicit, expressed - precisely and clearly expressed or readily observable; leaving nothing to implication; "explicit instructions"; "she made her wishes explicit"; "explicit sexual scenes"
indefinite - vague or not clearly defined or stated; "must you be so indefinite?"; "amorphous blots of color having vague and indefinite edges"; "he would not answer so indefinite a proposal"
2.definite - known for certain; "it is definite that they have won"
certain - established beyond doubt or question; definitely known; "what is certain is that every effect must have a cause"; "it is certain that they were on the bus"; "his fate is certain"; "the date for the invasion is certain"

definite
adjective 1. specific, exact, precise, clear, particular, express, determined, fixed, black-and-white, explicit, clear-cut, cut-and-dried (informal) clearly defined << OPPOSITE vague
adjective 4. certain, decided, sure, settled, convinced, positive, confident, assured << OPPOSITE uncertain
USAGE Definite and definitive should be carefully distinguished. Definite indicates precision and firmness, as in a definite decision. Definitive includes these senses but also indicates conclusiveness. A definite answer indicates a clear and firm answer to a particular question; a definitive answer implies an authoritative resolution of a complex question.
Translations
Spanish definite [ˈdɛfɪnɪt] adj (= fixed) → determinado (= clear, obvious); claro;
he was definite about it → no dejó lugar a dudas (sobre ello)

French definite [ˈdɛfɪnɪt] adj (= fixed) → défini(e)(bien) déterminé(e) (= clear, obvious); net(te)manifeste;
(Ling) → défini(e) (= certain); sûr(e);
he was definite about it → il a été catégorique; il était sûr de son fait

German definite [ˈdɛfɪnɪt] adjdefinitiv;
(date etc) → fest;
(clear, obvious) → klar, eindeutig;
(certain) → bestimmt;
he was definite about it → er war sich dat sehr sicher

Italian definite [ˈdɛfɪnɪt] adj (= fixed) → definito/a, preciso/a (= clear, obvious); ben definito/a, esatto/a;
(LING) → determinativo/a;
he was definite about it → ne era sicuro

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? Mentioned in ? References in classic literature
 
I have been conscious all the way along through this pilgrimage of its inevitable vagueness of direction, of my need of something definite, some place, some name, anything at all, however slight, which I might associate, if only for a time, with the object of my quest, a definite something to seek, a definite goal for my feet.
With no very definite intent he rose and went to it.
There is little definite material for an answer to this question, but the probability is that there were at least three contributory causes.
 
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