Word
finite
Phoneticsfi·nite, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈfaɪˌnaɪt/
UK/fˈaɪnaɪt/
Definitions
01limited in size or time
B2 · Upper Intermediate Academic
adj. having a definite limit or end; not infinite.
adj. having fixed boundaries or a limited nature; constrained by specific bounds in space, time, or quantity.
“The world has a finite amount of oil, so we must find new energy sources.”
“Economists often remind us that we live in a world of finite resources, necessitating difficult choices regarding consumption and sustainability.”
Usage
Often used to describe resources, time, or physical space.
Synonyms
02verb forms with tense
C1 · Advanced Science Technical · Academic
adj. a verb form that shows a specific time (tense) and matches the person doing the action.
adj. describing a verb form that is limited by person, number, and tense, allowing it to serve as the main verb of a clause.
“In the sentence 'He eats apples', the word 'eats' is a finite verb.”
“The student struggled to distinguish between finite verbs and participles when identifying the main predicate of complex sentences.”
Usage
Used specifically in grammatical analysis to contrast with infinitives and participles.
Teaching tip
While 'finite' is a general B2 word, this grammatical sense is C1/Technical; learners should focus on the 'limited' meaning first.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “finite” in context.
Adjective
01. finite number
“There is only a finite number of possibilities to consider before we reach a conclusion.”
adj + noun
Real-World Examples
“Sharing a finite resource across generations requires a balance between today's needs and the claims of those yet to be born.” “The two-dimensional surface itself is finite and has no border because it curves back around.” “The New York Times opinion section has finite space.” “But it depends on decades of effort by individuals whose lives are finite.” Etymology
The adjective is derived from Middle English fynyte, finit, from Latin fīnītus, perfect passive participle of fīniō (“to finish; to terminate”), from fīnis (“boundary”). The word displaced Old English ġeendodlīċ. The noun is derived from the adjective.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Related words
Domain
- 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.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL 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: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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