ENGLISH
REFERENCE

indefinitely

adv.
US //ˌɪnˈdɛfənətɫi// UK //ɪndˈɛfɪnətli// in·def·i·nite·ly
  1. 1 without a fixed end date (adv.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    for a long time, or forever, without a planned date to stop.

    for an unlimited or unspecified period of time; without a predetermined conclusion.

    Example

    The local library is closed indefinitely while they repair the roof.

    Example

    The negotiations have been postponed indefinitely, as neither side is currently willing to make the necessary concessions to return to the table.

    Usage

    usually follows the verb it modifies or appears at the end of the clause.

    Teacher's tip

    Learners often confuse this with 'forever'. While it can mean forever, it more often implies that the end date simply hasn't been decided yet.
  2. 2 in a vague way (adv.)
    C1 Advanced Formal

    in a way that is not clear or exact.

    in a vague, imprecise, or ill-defined manner.

    Example

    He spoke indefinitely about his plans, so I still don't know what he wants to do.

    Example

    The report was phrased so indefinitely that it was impossible to determine who was actually responsible for the error.

    Usage

    often modifies verbs of speaking or describing.

    Teacher's tip

    This sense is much rarer than the temporal one; in modern English, 'vaguely' is almost always preferred.
Origin

From indefinite + -ly.

Word family

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