definite

Everyday

1. Definite means clear, sure and fixed, with no doubt. tree →
2. A definite plan, date or answer has been decided. tree →
3. (grammar) The definite article is the word «the». tree →

In the lessons

In everyday life: «Is it definite that we're going?» In grammar lessons, «the» is the definite article (pointing to one particular thing), while «a/an» are indefinite articles. In maths, «a definite answer» is one exact number. Phrases: «a definite yes», «nothing definite yet».

Examples

• Is the trip definite, or might it be cancelled? tree →
• We need a definite answer by Friday. tree →
• There's a definite smell of burning in here! tree →
• «The» is called the definite article. tree →
• She gave a definite «no». tree →
• Nothing is definite yet, but we may move house. tree →
• There is a definite improvement in your handwriting. tree →
• Unfortunately, the form in which it occurs is mutilated, and we cannot draw any definite conclusion from it. tree →

Note

Spelling trap: definite (not «definate»); remember «finite» inside it. Adverb: definitely. Opposite: indefinite (not fixed). Do not confuse with definitive (final and most complete).

In Jewish tradition

In everyday life: «Is it definite that we're going?» In grammar lessons, «the» is the definite article (pointing to one particular thing), while «a/an» are indefinite articles. In maths, «a definite answer» is one exact number. Phrases: «a definite yes», «nothing definite yet».

Examples

• The Kabalistic principles involved in the reversal of Hebrew letters, and their substitution by others, on definite schemes, should also be studied and borne in mind. (Sefer Yetzirah, Westcott 1893) tree →

Note

Spelling trap: definite (not «definate»); remember «finite» inside it. Adverb: definitely. Opposite: indefinite (not fixed). Do not confuse with definitive (final and most complete).