definite
- 01 B1 Intermediate
adj.sure and certain, with no doubt at all.
adj.free from doubt or ambiguity; clearly stated or decided.
Simple“We need a definite answer by tomorrow so we can book the flight.”
In context“The manager provided a definite timeline for the project, leaving no room for the previous ambiguity regarding the launch date.”
PitfallI am definite that he will come. I am certain that he will come.While 'definite' means certain, we usually use it to describe plans or answers rather than people's feelings. Use 'certain' or 'sure' for people.
- 02 B2 Upper Intermediate
adj.having clear limits or a fixed shape.
adj.having distinct or fixed limits; clearly defined in form or scope.
Simple“The square has a definite shape with four equal sides.”
In context“The research study was confined to a definite geographical area to ensure the data remained manageable for the small team.”
Antonyms - 03 B1 Intermediate
adj.used in grammar to talk about a specific person or thing that we already know about.
adj.designating a specific, identifiable entity or group; typically used in reference to the 'definite article'.
Simple“In the sentence 'I saw the dog', 'the' is the definite article.”
In context“The use of the definite article implies that the speaker and listener share a common understanding of which specific object is being discussed.”
UsageUsually precedes the noun it modifies.
SynonymsAntonyms - 04 C1 Advanced
n.something that is certain to happen or is already decided.
n.a thing that is certain, settled, or beyond question.
Simple“Is the party happening on Saturday? Yes, it's a definite.”
In context“While most of the schedule is still being debated, the keynote speaker is a definite for the opening ceremony.”
SynonymsAntonyms
From Latin dēfīnītus, past participle of dēfīniō, whence also English define.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.