Word
definite
Phoneticsdef·i·nite, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈdɛfənət/
UK/dˈɛfɪnət/
Definitions
01certain and clear
B1 · Intermediate
adj. sure and certain, with no doubt at all.
adj. free from doubt or ambiguity; clearly stated or decided.
日本語:確実※
“We need a definite answer by tomorrow so we can book the flight.”
“The manager provided a definite timeline for the project, leaving no room for the previous ambiguity regarding the launch date.”
Pitfall
I 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.
02having fixed limits
B2 · Upper Intermediate Academic
adj. having clear limits or a fixed shape.
adj. having distinct or fixed limits; clearly defined in form or scope.
日本語:明確※
Español:definido
“The square has a definite shape with four equal sides.”
“The research study was confined to a definite geographical area to ensure the data remained manageable for the small team.”
Antonyms
03identifying a specific thing
B1 · Intermediate Grammar Technical
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'.
“In the sentence 'I saw the dog', 'the' is the definite article.”
“The use of the definite article implies that the speaker and listener share a common understanding of which specific object is being discussed.”
Usage
Usually precedes the noun it modifies.
Synonyms
Antonyms
04something certain
C1 · Advanced Countable noun Informal
n. something that is certain to happen or is already decided.
n. a thing that is certain, settled, or beyond question.
“Is the party happening on Saturday? Yes, it's a definite.”
“While most of the schedule is still being debated, the keynote speaker is a definite for the opening ceremony.”
Synonyms
Antonyms
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “definite” in context.
Verb
01. become definite
“The holiday plans will become definite once we book the flights.”
verb + adj
02. definite about
“The witness was very definite about the color of the car.”
adj + prep
03. make definite
“We need to make a definite decision by the end of the week.”
verb + adj
Adjective
04. fairly definite
“We don't have a final schedule yet, but the dates are fairly definite.”
adv + adj
05. quite definite
“She was quite definite about her reasons for leaving the company.”
adv + adj
Noun
06. definite advantage
“Being bilingual is a definite advantage when looking for work.”
adj + noun
07. definite answer
“I can't give you a definite answer until I speak to my manager.”
adj + noun
08. definite article
“In the sentence 'I saw the dog', the word 'the' is the definite article.”
adj + noun
09. definite plan
“Do you have any definite plans for the summer holidays?”
adj + noun
10. a definite possibility
“Winning the championship is now a definite possibility for the team.”
11. for no definite reason
“The meeting was postponed for no definite reason.”
12. nothing definite yet
“We have discussed the merger, but there is nothing definite yet.”
Etymology
From Latin dēfīnītus, past participle of dēfīniō, whence also English define.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
ADJECTIVE
ADVERB
Related words
Domains
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B1 PreliminaryIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.4.0–5.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 3.0–3.544–71TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.550–784
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- B1 · IntermediateOxford
- Updated
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QR code
englishreference.com/q/definite
※ 機械で選んだ訳語です。ネイティブスピーカーによる確認はまだです。
「日本語」 data: JMdict (EDRDG), CC BY-SA 4.0
Traducciones: Kaikki.org (Wiktionary), CC BY-SA 4.0