definite
gb/dˈɛfɪnɪt/ us/dˈɛfɪnɪt/
B1
English
~ 3000
Senses
0 senses
adjective
B1
property
1
Certain and not likely to change
Clear and certain; not likely to change.
Usage pattern:
[something] is definite
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'definite' with 'definitive'. 'Definitive' means final or most authoritative, while 'definite' means clear and certain.
Synonyms
certain (Very close in meaning, but 'certain' often refers to personal conviction, while 'definite' can refer more to external facts or arrangements.)
|
clear-cut (Slightly more informal; emphasizes being obvious and easy to understand.)
Antonyms
indefinite (Means not fixed or decided; open-ended.)
|
uncertain (Means not sure or not having a clear answer.)
Collocations
definite answer
|definite decision
|definite plan
|definite time
|make it definite
Themes
communication
|decision-making
|certainty
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- We have a definite date for the meeting.
- There is no definite answer to that question yet.
- She gave me a definite promise to help.
- The rules are definite and must be followed.
- We need a definite plan before we start.
Learner examples
- The time for the party is definite.
- I have a definite answer for you.
- This is a definite rule.
- We need a definite plan.
- The date is definite now.
adjective
B2
property
2
Having clear limits or boundaries
Having clear limits or edges; not vague.
Usage pattern:
[something] has a definite [limit/shape/boundary]
Synonyms
distinct (Emphasizes being clearly separate from others.)
|
well-defined (Often used in formal or technical contexts to mean clearly described or bounded.)
Antonyms
vague (Not clear in shape, limits, or meaning.)
|
indefinite (Without fixed limits or clear boundaries.)
Collocations
definite boundary
|definite shape
|definite period
|definite limit
Themes
science
|description
|space
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- This plant has a definite shape that makes it easy to identify.
- The project has a definite time frame.
- The border between the two countries is definite.
- There is a definite limit to how much we can spend.
Learner examples
- The table has a definite shape.
- We have a definite time for the test.
- There is a definite line on the map.
- The game has a definite end.
Grammar
Dictionary form
definite
IPA
GB/dˈɛfɪnɪt/
US/dˈɛfɪnɪt/
Syllables & stress
def - in - ite (3 syllables)
Stress on 1st syllable (def)
Word forms
Adjective
- Base: definite
Word family
Core family
Related words
definitive
adjective C1
definitively
adverb
Negative and opposite forms
indefinite
adjective B2
indefinitely
adverb B2
Advanced or less common
definiteness
noun
Expressions
for definite
1/fɚ dˈɛfɪnɪt/
fixed phrase
informal
With complete certainty
Used to say something is sure and will not change.
Examples
- I’ll let you know for definite tomorrow.
- We’re going to win this match for definite.
make it definite
1/mˈeɪk ˈɪt dˈɛfɪnɪt/
fixed phrase
Decide or fix something clearly
To decide something so it is clear and certain.
Examples
- We should make it definite before telling everyone.
- They made it definite that the party will be on Saturday.