infinity
gb/ɪnfˈɪnɪti/ us/ɪnfˈɪnɪti/
B2
English
~ 9800
Senses
0 senses
Noun
B2
state
1
limitless extent or endlessness
A state where something has no end or limit in space, time, or amount.
Usage pattern:
the infinity of [space/time/possibilities]; to [infinity]
Common mistake:
Learners often confuse "infinite" (adjective) with "infinity" (noun). We say "an infinite number of stars" (adjective + noun) but "the infinity of space" (noun). Also, "infinity" is usually uncountable, so we normally do not say *"infinities"* in everyday language, even though it exists in advanced mathematical contexts.
Synonyms
endlessness (Focuses on having no end, especially in time, without emphasizing size or amount.)
|
limitlessness (Stresses the absence of any limits or boundaries, often in a more abstract way.)
Antonyms
finiteness (Highlights that something has fixed limits or an end, the opposite of being without limits.)
|
limit (A specific point or boundary where something stops, contrasting with having no boundary.)
Collocations
the infinity of space
|stretch into infinity
|seem like infinity
|to infinity
|into infinity
|an infinity of stars
Themes
science
|philosophy
|mathematics
|core_vocabulary
|time
|space
Examples
- The idea of the infinity of space is hard to truly imagine.
- As a child, she would lie on the grass and think about the infinity of the night sky.
- Their love felt as if it would last for infinity.
- To the bored students, the lecture seemed to go on for infinity.
- An infinity of possibilities opened up once the internet became widely available.
Learner examples
- The infinity of space is difficult for me to understand.
- He said he would love her for infinity.
- To me, the wait felt like infinity.
- Scientists talk about the infinity of the universe.
- There seemed to be an infinity of choices on the menu.
Noun
technical
C1
quantity
2
mathematical unbounded value
In math, a special idea for a value that is larger than every normal number or keeps growing without end.
Usage pattern:
[function] tends to infinity; [value] approaches infinity
Common mistake:
Learners may treat infinity as a normal number, saying things like *"divide by infinity to get zero"* as if infinity were a regular value, when in most mathematical systems it is a special concept, not an ordinary real number. They may also confuse "infinity" with "very big"; in math, infinity is not just a large number but something without any upper bound.
Synonyms
unbounded value (Technical phrase that focuses on the idea of having no upper limit, common in mathematics and physics.)
|
divergent value (Used in specific mathematical contexts where a series or function does not settle on a limit and grows without bound.)
Antonyms
finite number (Any specific, limited number, which contrasts with the unbounded nature of infinity.)
|
bounded value (A value that stays within some fixed limits, opposite to a value that goes to infinity.)
Collocations
approach infinity
|tend to infinity
|goes to infinity
|plus infinity
|minus infinity
|countable infinity
Themes
mathematics
|science
|education
Examples
- As x approaches zero, the function tends to infinity.
- In calculus, certain integrals diverge to infinity instead of giving a finite answer.
- The series does not converge; instead, its partial sums grow without bound and head toward infinity.
- On the graph, the curve rises sharply and seems to shoot off to infinity.
- Some types of infinity in set theory are larger than others, such as the uncountable infinity of real numbers.
Learner examples
- In this graph, the line goes up to infinity.
- The teacher said the limit is infinity when x goes to zero.
- Some series in math grow to infinity and never stop.
- A finite number is small compared to infinity.
- In set theory, they compare different kinds of infinity.
Noun
B2
entity
3
the symbol ∞ for infinity
The sign ∞ that shows the idea of infinity or no end.
Usage pattern:
the infinity symbol on [something]; draw an infinity symbol
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse the word "infinity" (the idea) with the phrase "infinity symbol" (the sign ∞). In writing, use "infinity" for the concept and "infinity symbol" when you mean the shape or character itself.
Synonyms
infinity symbol (The standard term specifically naming the visual sign ∞ rather than the abstract idea.)
Antonyms
zero (Represents the absence of quantity, conceptually contrasting with the idea of endless quantity shown by the infinity symbol.)
Collocations
infinity symbol
|infinity sign
|draw an infinity symbol
|wear an infinity symbol necklace
|infinity tattoo
|the shape of an infinity symbol
Themes
mathematics
|design
|popular_culture
|science
|communication
Examples
- She has a small infinity symbol tattooed on her wrist.
- In this equation, the infinity symbol means the value grows without limit.
- The jewelry store sells simple silver rings shaped like an infinity symbol.
- Designers often use the infinity symbol to suggest something eternal or unbroken.
- He drew an infinity symbol next to their initials in his notebook.
Learner examples
- He drew an infinity symbol on the paper.
- The math book uses the infinity symbol in this formula.
- She wears a necklace with an infinity symbol.
- The logo has the shape of an infinity symbol.
- I see the infinity symbol on many tattoos.
Grammar
Dictionary form
infinity
IPA
GB/ɪnfˈɪnɪti/
US/ɪnfˈɪnɪti/
Syllables & stress
in - fin - ity (3 syllables)
Stress on 2nd syllable (fin)
Word forms
Noun
- Base: infinity
- Plural: infinities, infinity
Word family
Forms
infinities
noun
Core family
infinite
adjective B2
infinitely
adverb B2
Negative and opposite forms
finite
adjective B2
Expressions
to infinity
1/tə ɪnfˈɪnɪti/
fixed phrase
continue or increase without limit
Used after a verb to show that something continues, repeats, or increases without any end or limit.
Examples
- The pattern repeats to infinity in both directions.
- In theory, you could keep adding numbers to this list to infinity.
- The line on the graph goes up to infinity as x gets larger.
to infinity and beyond
1/tə ɪnfˈɪnɪti ˈænd bɪjˈɔnd/
idiom
informal
go or continue forever and more
Used in a playful or dramatic way to mean going or continuing forever, and even more than that.
Examples
- The team’s slogan was "To infinity and beyond" to show their big dreams.
- He raised his glass and joked, "To infinity and beyond!" before they started the project.
- Kids still shout "To infinity and beyond!" when they pretend to be space heroes.