English Reference
adjective · noun

infinite

adj. · n.
US /ˈɪnfənət/ UK /ˈɪnfɪnət/ in·fi·nite UK spelling infinites

  1. 01 B2 Upper Intermediate

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

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

    Simple

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

    In context

    Philosophers have long debated whether the universe is truly infinite or merely so vast that it exceeds human comprehension.

  2. 02 C1 Advanced Technical Math

    adj.greater than any number you can think of.

    adj.greater than any assignable quantity or countable magnitude.

    Simple

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

    In context

    The set of all integers is infinite, yet it is considered a smaller infinity than the set of all real numbers.

    transfinite
  3. 03 B2 Upper Intermediate

    adj.extremely large or great in amount or degree.

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

    Simple

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

    In context

    The project required infinite attention to detail, as even a minor calculation error could compromise the structural integrity of the bridge.

  4. 04 C2 Proficiency Technical Science

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

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

    Simple

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

    In context

    The distinction between finite and infinite verb phrases is fundamental to understanding clausal subordination in English syntax.

    non finite
  5. 05 C1 Advanced Literary

    n.space or time that has no boundaries.

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

    Simple

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

    In context

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

Usage infinite scroll · infinite number

The Backrooms are an internet-created fictional setting imagined as an infinite network of empty, fluorescent-lit rooms.

ScienceDaily· 26 Jul 2026

Even in an era of infinite viewing choices, the daytime soap retains a powerful appeal.

Smithsonian Magazine· 16 Jun 2026

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.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

This entry
Origin Latin īnfīnītus
Level B2 · Upper Intermediate
Frequency Common
Updated