indefinitely
- 01 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.
Simple“The local library is closed indefinitely while they repair the roof.”
In context“The negotiations have been postponed indefinitely, as neither side is currently willing to make the necessary concessions to return to the table.”
Usageusually follows the verb it modifies or appears at the end of the clause.
Teacher's tipLearners often confuse this with 'forever'. While it can mean forever, it more often implies that the end date simply hasn't been decided yet.
Antonyms - 02 C1 Advanced
in a way that is not clear or exact.
in a vague, imprecise, or ill-defined manner.
Simple“He spoke indefinitely about his plans, so I still don't know what he wants to do.”
In context“The report was phrased so indefinitely that it was impossible to determine who was actually responsible for the error.”
Usageoften modifies verbs of speaking or describing.
Teacher's tipThis sense is much rarer than the temporal one; in modern English, 'vaguely' is almost always preferred.
SynonymsAntonyms
“Yet people often assume green roofs will continue working indefinitely after installation without stopping to consider the work involved in keeping them alive.”
“Starting at this moment and indefinitely, classes are suspended in all educational institutions,” said Mauricio Salazar .”
From indefinite + -ly.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.