ENGLISH
REFERENCE

definite

adj.
B1 Intermediate Oxford US //ˈdɛfənət// UK //dˈɛfɪnət// def·i·nite Academic Archaic General-service

adj. clear and certain, with no doubt at all. You use this when you want to say that something is fixed and will not change.

adj. clearly stated or decided; not vague or doubtful. Often used to describe plans, answers, or boundaries that are fixed and unambiguous.


SIMPLE

We need a definite answer by tomorrow morning.

CONTEXTUAL

The manager gave a definite 'no' when asked if the deadline could be moved to next week.

COMPLEX

While the initial results were promising, the researchers cautioned that they lacked definite proof until a larger clinical trial could be completed under controlled conditions.

Antonyms
Origin

From Latin dēfīnītus, past participle of dēfīniō, whence also English define.

Usage

Typically used before a noun or after a linking verb like 'be'. Often contrasted with 'vague' or 'tentative'.

Pitfall

I am definite that he is coming.I am certain that he is coming.While 'definite' describes things (plans, answers), 'certain' or 'sure' is preferred when describing a person's state of mind.

© 2026 English Reference