DEFINITE

Pronunciation (US):

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IPA (US):

 Dictionary entry overview: What does definite mean? 

• DEFINITE (adjective)
  The adjective DEFINITE has 2 senses:

1. precise; explicit and clearly defined

2. known for certain

  Familiarity information: DEFINITE used as an adjective is rare.

 Dictionary entry details 

• DEFINITE (adjective)

Sense 1

Meaning:

Precise; explicit and clearly defined

Context example:

a definite drop in attendance

Similar:

certain (definite but not specified or identified)

decisive (unmistakable)

decided; distinct (recognizable; marked)

Also:

clear (readily apparent to the mind)

defined (clearly characterized or delimited)

distinct (easy to perceive; especially clearly outlined)

explicit; expressed (precisely and clearly expressed or readily observable; leaving nothing to implication)

Antonym:

indefinite (vague or not clearly defined or stated)

Sense 2

Meaning:

Known for certain

Context example:

it is definite that they have won

Similar:

certain (established beyond doubt or question; definitely known)

Derivation:

definiteness (the quality of being predictable with great confidence)

 Context examples 

In that time there were 1,438 definite and 119 probable stroke cases.

(Regular extended sleep increases risk of stroke, The Titi Tudorancea Bulletin)

There are definite signs that your star is on the rise, and you will get proof of this on or very close to November 12.

(AstrologyZone.com, by Susan Miller)

Although less obvious in the 'real' image, the movie of interpolated images supports the presence of two definite components.

(Rosetta Comet May Be a Contact Binary, NASA)

It is equal to the definite integral of a function.

(Area Under Curve, NCI Thesaurus)

A substance formed by chemical union of two or more elements or ingredients in definite proportion by weight.

(Compound, NCI Thesaurus)

But without your telling me anything definite, Mr. Holmes, you may do a great service if you would enlighten me on one point.

(The Return of Sherlock Holmes, by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle)

“But have you,” I asked, “formed any definite conception as to what these perils are?”

(The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle)

A naturally produced angular solid of definite form in which the ultimate units from which it is built up are systematically arranged; they are usually evenly spaced on a regular space lattice.

(Crystal Dosage Form, NCI Thesaurus/CDISC)

That aspect of consciousness devoted to affect or feeling; a strong feeling, aroused mental state, or intense state of drive or unrest directed toward a definite object, with physiological, somatic, and behavioral components.

(Emotion, NCI Thesaurus)

A further knowledge of facts is necessary before I would venture to give a final and definite opinion.

(His Last Bow, by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle)