If something such as a decision or an arrangement is definite, it is firm and clear, and unlikely to be changed.
It's too soon to give a definite answer.
Her Royal Highness has definite views about most things.
She made no definite plans for her future.
Synonyms: specific, exact, precise, clear More Synonyms of definite
2. adjective [usually ADJECTIVE noun]
Definite evidence or information is true, rather than being someone's opinion or guess.
We didn't have any definite proof.
If you have any definite news of my husband, please let me know.
The police had nothing definite against her.
Synonyms: clear, explicit, black-and-white, clear-cut More Synonyms of definite
3. adjective [ADJECTIVE noun]
You use definite to emphasize the strength of your opinion or belief.
[emphasis]
There has already been a definite improvement.
That's a very definite possibility.
Synonyms: noticeable, marked, clear, decided More Synonyms of definite
4. adjective
Someone who is definite behaves or talks in a firm, confident way.
Mary is very definite about this.
5. graded adjective [usually ADJECTIVE noun]
A definite shape or colour is clear and noticeable.
Studying his face in the bathroom mirror he wished he had more definite features.
More Synonyms of definite
definite in British English
(ˈdɛfɪnɪt)
adjective
1.
clearly defined; exact; explicit
2.
having precise limits or boundaries
3.
known for certain; sure
it is definite that they're coming
4. botany
a.
denoting a type of growth in which the main stem ends in a flower, as in a cymose inflorescence; determinate
b.
(esp of flower parts) limited or fixed in number in a given species
Derived forms
definiteness (ˈdefiniteness)
noun
definitude (dɪˈfɪnɪˌtjuːd)
noun
Word origin
C15: from Latin dēfīnītus limited, distinct; see define
definite in American English
(ˈdɛfənɪt)
adjective
1.
having exact limits
2.
precise and clear in meaning; explicit
3.
certain; positive
it's definite that he'll go
4. Botany
having a constant number of stamens, etc., less than 20 but always a multiple of the number of petals
5. Grammar
limiting or specifying; referring to a specific or previously identified person, thing, etc.
“the” is the definite article
SIMILAR WORDS: exˈplicit
Derived forms
definitely (ˈdefinitely)
adverb
definiteness (ˈdefiniteness)
noun
Word origin
L definitus, pp. of definire: see define
Examples of 'definite' in a sentence
definite
And now, alien enthusiasts are all running around saying this is definite proof we are not alone.
The Sun (2016)
I tried it for about a month and there was a slight but definite improvement in radiance.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
Each required a definite and precise answer.
Aganbegyan, Abel Inside Perestroika: The Future of the Soviet Economy (1990)
In my mind there was a definite possibility.
The Sun (2013)
There was a definite improvement after that.
Times, Sunday Times (2011)
This gives you something definite with which to come to terms.
Lumsden, Robert 23 Steps to Successful Achievement (1972)
The answer is a definite yes and nor is it as difficult as you might imagine.
Times, Sunday Times (2015)
They were now without a home or any definite plan for the future.
Adam Sisman The Friendship: Wordsworth and Coleridge (2006)
There should be a definite improvement on her performance.
Lindenfield, Gael 50 Ways to Become a Self-Confident Woman (1989)
There was a definite whiff of something at the old ground yesterday.
Times, Sunday Times (2011)
It may not give you a definite answer but it will help you think.
The Sun (2010)
It is important that you have a definite plan which you try and stick to.
Tondeur, Keith Say Goodbye to Debt (1994)
In the past month there have been signs of definite improvement.
Times, Sunday Times (2010)
His family obviously wanted to know for definite one way or another so tests were done which came back positive.
The Sun (2007)
It is important to remember that an employer does not need to have definite proof that an employee stole something.
Times, Sunday Times (2013)
I know for definite that he knew this would all come out after he died.
The Sun (2016)
Modern menu planning is more about possibility than a definite list of what we're going to eat when.
Times, Sunday Times (2009)
With all garden design, simple and definite shapes have more impact and help to hold the garden throughout the winter.
Times, Sunday Times (2014)
Certainly I admit that consciences neither ought to nor can be bound here to definite and precise legal formulas.
Christianity Today (2000)
There should be a clear, definite set of things that the Government will do to makethe landing softer.
Times, Sunday Times (2008)
Although there seems to be no limit to the variety, only definite, obvious shapes really count in an image.
Freeman, Michael Photographers Handbook (1993)
You can divide the frame in any number of ways and proportions, the more easily if your subject has strong, definite lines and shapes.
Freeman, Michael Photographers Handbook (1993)
In other languages
definite
British English: definite /ˈdɛfɪnɪt/ ADJECTIVE
If something is definite, it is firm and clear, and unlikely to be changed.
It's too soon to give a definite answer.
American English: definite
Arabic: مُحَدَّد
Brazilian Portuguese: definido
Chinese: 确切的
Croatian: definitivan
Czech: jednoznačný
Danish: klar afgjort
Dutch: definitief
European Spanish: definitivo
Finnish: ehdoton
French: définitif
German: bestimmt genau
Greek: οριστικός
Italian: preciso
Japanese: 明確な
Korean: 명확한
Norwegian: avgrenset
Polish: określony
European Portuguese: definido
Romanian: categoric
Russian: определенный
Latin American Spanish: definitivo
Swedish: bestämd
Thai: แน่นอน
Turkish: kesin
Ukrainian: визначений
Vietnamese: rõ ràng
All related terms of 'definite'
definite sign
If there is a sign of something, there is something which shows that it exists or is happening .
past definite
the simple past
definite article
The word 'the' is sometimes called the definite article .
definite integral
the evaluation of the indefinite integral between two limits , representing the area between the given function and the x- axis between these two values of x
definite description
a description that is modified by the definite article or a possessive , such as the woman in white or Rosemary's baby
definite improvement
If there is an improvement in something, it becomes better . If you make improvements to something, you make it better.
he was definite about it他对(對)此很肯定 (tā duì cǐ hěn kěndìng)
1 (adjective)
Definition
firm, clear, and precise
It's too soon to give a definite answer.
Synonyms
specific
I asked him to be more specific.
exact
I can't remember the exact words he used.
precise
We will never know the precise details of his death.
clear
particular
What particular aspects of the job are you interested in?
express
I was warned not to leave my post without express orders.
determined
fixed
black-and-white
explicit
songs containing explicit references to sexual activity
clear-cut
cut-and-dried (informal)
clearly defined
Opposites
general
,
confused
,
loose
,
obscure
,
vague
,
unclear
,
fuzzy
,
indefinite
,
hazy
,
indeterminate
,
imprecise
,
ill-defined
,
indistinct
,
undetermined
,
inexact
2 (adjective)
Definition
firm, clear, and precise
We didn't have any definite proof.
Synonyms
clear
It was a clear case of mistaken identity.
explicit
He left explicit instructions on how to set the alarm.
black-and-white
clear-cut
She won a clear-cut victory in yesterday's election.
unequivocal
Richardson's unequivocal commitment to fair play
unambiguous
guaranteed
cut-and-dried (informal)
3 (adjective)
Definition
firm, clear, and precise
There has been a definite improvement.
Synonyms
noticeable
These changes have had no noticeable effect on productivity.
marked
There has been a marked increase in crimes against property.
clear
decided
striking
He bears a striking resemblance to Lenin.
noted
Chomsky's father was a noted Hebrew scholar.
The paper has never been noted for its foreign affairs coverage.
particular
This is a question of particular importance for us.
Stress is a particular problem for women.
obvious
It's obvious that he doesn't like me.
dramatic
considerable
We have already spent a considerable amount of money on repairs.
remarkable
He was a remarkable man.
apparent
The presence of a star is already apparent in the early film.
evident
He spoke with evident emotion about his ordeal.
distinct
There was a distinct change in her attitude.
notable
The most notable architectural feature of the town is its castle.
manifest
cases of manifest injustice
conspicuous
Her conspicuous lack of warmth confirmed that they were no longer friends.
4 (adjective)
Definition
known for certain
She is very definite about her feelings.
Synonyms
certain
She's absolutely certain she's going to make it as a singer.
decided
We were at a decided disadvantage.
sure
She was no longer sure what she thought about the situation.
settled
convinced
positive
I'm positive she said she'd be here.
confident
I am confident that everything will come out right in time.
assured
Our victory is assured; nothing can stop us.
Opposites
uncertain
,
undecided
Usage note
Definite and definitive should be carefully distinguished. Definite indicates precision and firmness, as in a definite decision. Definitive includes these senses but also indicates conclusiveness. A definite answer indicates a clear and firm answer to a particular question; a definitive answer implies an authoritative resolution of a complex question.
Additional synonyms
in the sense of apparent
Definition
readily seen or understood
The presence of a star is already apparent in the early film.
Synonyms
obvious,
marked,
clear,
plain,
visible,
bold,
patent,
evident,
distinct,
open,
understandable,
manifest,
noticeable,
blatant,
conspicuous,
overt,
unmistakable,
palpable,
undeniable,
discernible,
salient,
self-evident,
indisputable,
much in evidence,
undisguised,
unconcealed,
indubitable,
staring you in the face (informal),
plain as the nose on your face
in the sense of assured
Definition
certain to happen
Our victory is assured; nothing can stop us.
Synonyms
certain,
sure,
ensured,
confirmed,
settled,
guaranteed,
fixed,
secure,
sealed,
clinched,
made certain,
sound,
in the bag (slang),
dependable,
beyond doubt,
irrefutable,
unquestionable,
indubitable,
nailed-on (slang)
in the sense of clear-cut
Definition
easy to distinguish or understand
She won a clear-cut victory in yesterday's election.