indefinitely
gb/ɪndˈɛfɪnɪtli/ us/ɪndˈɛfɪnɪtli/
B2
Inglês
~ 9700
Aceções
0 aceções
adverb
B2
property
1
for an unlimited or unknown time
For a time with no clear end or finish date.
Padrão de uso:
to [verb] indefinitely
Erro comum:
Learners sometimes confuse "indefinitely" with "definitely" because the words look similar. "Indefinitely" means there is no fixed end in time, while "definitely" means certainly or without doubt. Also, some learners wrongly use it before a noun (e.g., *"an indefinitely delay"*); it is an adverb and should modify verbs or adjectives (e.g., "postponed indefinitely", "remain indefinitely").
Sinónimos
for an unlimited time (Neutral paraphrase that clearly states the lack of a time limit.)
|
until further notice (Often used in official announcements; suggests no set end, but not necessarily forever.)
|
for the foreseeable future (Implies no planned end yet, but sounds less permanent than 'indefinitely'.)
Antónimos
temporarily (States clearly that something is only for a short or limited time.)
|
for a limited time (Directly contrasts with the idea of having no fixed time limit.)
Colocações
postpone indefinitely
|suspend indefinitely
|delay indefinitely
|continue indefinitely
|be held indefinitely
|remain closed indefinitely
Temas
time
|business
|law
|daily life
|core_vocabulary
Exemplos
- The museum will be closed indefinitely while repairs are carried out.
- Talks have been suspended indefinitely after both sides failed to reach an agreement.
- He plans to stay abroad indefinitely and has no date set for his return.
- The company has decided to delay the product launch indefinitely.
- Her trial was postponed indefinitely due to new evidence.
Exemplos para aprendentes
- The store is closed indefinitely after the fire.
- My visa lets me stay in this country indefinitely.
- The meeting was postponed indefinitely because the manager is sick.
- He moved to Canada and plans to live there indefinitely.
- The project is on hold indefinitely because we have no money.
adverb
C1
property
2
to an unlimited degree or extent
To a level or amount with no clear limit.
Padrão de uso:
to increase [something] indefinitely
Erro comum:
Learners may use this sense when they only mean "for a long time" or "a lot", even though "indefinitely" suggests the absence of any clear limit. In scientific or mathematical writing, it is important not to confuse "indefinitely" (no fixed limit) with "infinitely" (truly without end in a strict sense).
Sinónimos
limitlessly (Emphasizes the complete lack of limits in amount or degree.)
|
infinitely (Often used in mathematical or formal contexts; sounds stronger and more absolute.)
Antónimos
finitely (Technical opposite in mathematics and logic, meaning within a fixed limit.)
|
within limits (General-language opposite, stressing that there is some boundary or maximum.)
Colocações
grow indefinitely
|increase indefinitely
|expand indefinitely
|continue indefinitely in theory
|extend indefinitely in both directions
Temas
science
|mathematics
|economics
|core_vocabulary
Exemplos
- The population cannot grow indefinitely without putting pressure on resources.
- You cannot increase the dosage indefinitely; at some point it becomes dangerous.
- In this model, the line extends indefinitely in both directions.
- No system can expand indefinitely without facing constraints.
- The questions can be refined almost indefinitely to explore smaller details.
Exemplos para aprendentes
- A person cannot work indefinitely without rest.
- Prices cannot rise indefinitely; people will stop buying.
- In the picture, the road seems to continue indefinitely.
- You cannot eat chocolate indefinitely and stay healthy.
- In math, a straight line goes on indefinitely.
Gramática
Forma de dicionário
indefinitely
IPA
GB/ɪndˈɛfɪnɪtli/
US/ɪndˈɛfɪnɪtli/
Sílabas e acento
in - def - itely (3 sílabas)
Stress on 2nd syllable (def)
Formas da palavra
Noun
- Base: indefinitely
- Plural: indefinitelies
Família de palavras
Forms
indefinitelies
noun
Core family
Negative and opposite forms
indefinite
adjective B2
undefined
adjective
Advanced or less common
definitive
adjective C1
definitively
adverb
Expressões
remain closed indefinitely
1/ɹɪmˈeɪn klˈoʊzd ɪndˈɛfɪnɪtli/
fixed phrase
stay closed with no set end
To stay not open for business or visitors, and with no clear date for opening again.
Exemplos
- The factory will remain closed indefinitely after the accident.
- Officials said the border crossing would remain closed indefinitely because of security concerns.
suspend indefinitely
1/səspˈɛnd ɪndˈɛfɪnɪtli/
fixed phrase
stop with no restart date
To stop something, such as a service, activity, or rule, without saying when or if it will start again.
Exemplos
- The airline announced that it would suspend indefinitely all flights to the region.
- After repeated violations, his membership was suspended indefinitely.
postpone indefinitely
1/poʊstpˈoʊn ɪndˈɛfɪnɪtli/
fixed phrase
Delay for an unknown long time
To delay something with no plan for when, or if, it will happen.
Exemplos
- Because of budget cuts, the city postponed indefinitely its plan to build a new library.
- Due to budget cuts, the city decided to postpone indefinitely the construction of the new bridge.
- The concert was postponed indefinitely after the singer was injured.
- The conference was postponed indefinitely after the organizers lost their main sponsor.