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infinite

adj. · n.
US //ˈɪnfənət// UK //ˈɪnfɪnət// in·fi·nite
  1. 1 without limits (adj.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    having no end or limit in space, time, or size.

    limitless or boundless in space, extent, or size; impossible to measure or calculate.

    Example

    The night sky looked like an infinite sea of stars stretching forever.

    Example

    Philosophers have long debated whether the universe is truly infinite or merely so vast that it exceeds human comprehension.
  2. 2 mathematical quantity (adj.)
    C1 Advanced Technical Math

    greater than any number you can think of.

    greater than any assignable quantity or countable magnitude.

    Example

    There is an infinite number of points on any straight line.

    Example

    The set of all integers is infinite, yet it is considered a smaller infinity than the set of all real numbers.
    • transfinite
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  1. 3 very great or intense (adj.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    extremely large or great in amount or degree.

    used for emphasis to describe a quality that is extremely great or seemingly inexhaustible.

    Example

    The teacher showed infinite patience while explaining the difficult rule again.

    Example

    The project required infinite attention to detail, as even a minor calculation error could compromise the structural integrity of the bridge.
  2. 4 grammar (adj.)
    C2 Proficiency Technical Science

    describing a verb form that does not show a specific person or time.

    referring to verb forms, such as infinitives or participles, that are not limited by person, number, or tense.

    Example

    In the sentence 'I want to go', 'to go' is an infinite verb form.

    Example

    The distinction between finite and infinite verb phrases is fundamental to understanding clausal subordination in English syntax.
    • non finite
  3. 5 the concept of no end (n.)
    C1 Advanced Literary

    space or time that has no boundaries.

    that which is infinite; an abstract space, time, or quantity without end.

    Example

    The explorers stared out into the infinite of the deep ocean.

    Example

    The poet attempted to capture the sublime feeling of standing before the infinite, where the horizon offers no visual resolution.
Origin

From Middle English infinite, from Old French infinit and its etymon Latin īnfīnītus, from in- (“not”) + fīnis (“end”) + the perfect passive participle ending -ītus. By surface analysis, in- + finite. Doublet of infinito. Displaced native Old English unġeendodlīċ.

Word family

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