indefinite

Everyday

1. Not clear or exact: an indefinite answer. tree →
2. Without a fixed end or limit: an indefinite stay. tree →
3. (grammar) «indefinite article» = «a» or «an». tree →

In the lessons

In grammar lessons «a» and «an» are indefinite articles and «the» is the definite article; in news something closed «for an indefinite time» means nobody knows when it will open. Phrases: «indefinite article», «for an indefinite period», «indefinitely».

Examples

• The pool is closed for an indefinite time. tree →
• «A» and «an» are indefinite articles. tree →
• Her plans were indefinite. tree →
• He went to stay with his aunt for an indefinite period. tree →
• We say «a cat» because the cat is indefinite — any cat. tree →
• The match was put off indefinitely. tree →
• Nyx again, on her side was also doubly united, having been married at some indefinite period to Erebus. tree →

Note

Prefix in- = not: indefinite = not definite. Adverb: indefinitely (= with no end set). In maths, an «indefinite» number is not given — you cannot work out an exact total without it.