B2 verb Neutral

definite

/ˈdef.ɪ.nət/

To be clearly stated, certain, or fixed in nature. It describes something that is not vague and leaves no room for doubt or confusion.

Examples

3 of 5
1

I need a definite answer by tomorrow so I can book the flights.

I need a definite answer by tomorrow so I can book the flights.

2

The evidence provided a definite link between the suspect and the crime scene.

The evidence provided a definite link between the suspect and the crime scene.

3

That's a definite 'no' from my parents regarding the party.

That's a definite 'no' from my parents regarding the party.

Word Family

Noun
definiteness
Verb
define
Adverb
definitely
Adjective
definite
Related
definition
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Memory Tip

Think of the word 'finite' (which means limited or having an end). If something is 'de-finite', it has clear limits or boundaries, making it certain.

Quick Quiz

We haven't made any ____ plans for the summer vacation yet.

Correct!

The correct answer is: definite

Examples

1

I need a definite answer by tomorrow so I can book the flights.

everyday

I need a definite answer by tomorrow so I can book the flights.

2

The evidence provided a definite link between the suspect and the crime scene.

formal

The evidence provided a definite link between the suspect and the crime scene.

3

That's a definite 'no' from my parents regarding the party.

informal

That's a definite 'no' from my parents regarding the party.

4

The study observed a definite trend toward urbanization in the late 20th century.

academic

The study observed a definite trend toward urbanization in the late 20th century.

5

We saw a definite improvement in sales figures after the new campaign launched.

business

We saw a definite improvement in sales figures after the new campaign launched.

Word Family

Noun
definiteness
Verb
define
Adverb
definitely
Adjective
definite
Related
definition

Common Collocations

definite answer definite answer
definite plans definite plans
definite advantage definite advantage
definite proof definite proof
definite trend definite trend

Common Phrases

definite article

definite article (the word 'the')

a definite plus

a definite plus (a clear advantage)

nothing definite

nothing definite (no fixed plans yet)

Often Confused With

definite vs definitive

'Definite' means clear or certain, while 'definitive' means the final, most authoritative, or best example of something.

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Usage Notes

Use 'definite' when you want to emphasize that a situation or answer is fixed and will not change. It is frequently used before nouns like 'plans', 'answers', or 'proof'.

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Common Mistakes

The most common mistake is the spelling 'definate'; remember it ends in '-ite' like the word 'finite'. Some learners also confuse it with 'definitive' when referring to conclusions.

💡

Memory Tip

Think of the word 'finite' (which means limited or having an end). If something is 'de-finite', it has clear limits or boundaries, making it certain.

📖

Word Origin

From the Latin 'definitus', which is the past participle of 'definire', meaning 'to limit, determine, or explain'.

Grammar Patterns

Used as an attributive adjective before a noun (e.g., definite plans). Used as a predicative adjective after linking verbs (e.g., The results are definite).

Quick Quiz

We haven't made any ____ plans for the summer vacation yet.

Correct!

The correct answer is: definite

Related Words

to

A1

Used to indicate the place, person, or thing that someone or something moves toward. It can also mark the recipient of an action or the limit of a range.

and

A1

A primary conjunction used to connect words, phrases, or clauses that are grammatically equal. It indicates addition, a sequence of events, or a relationship between two things.

a

A1

A word used before a singular noun that is not specific or is being mentioned for the first time. It is used only before words that begin with a consonant sound to indicate one of something.

that

A1

This word is a demonstrative pronoun used to indicate a specific person, object, or idea that is further away in space or time from the speaker. It is also used to refer back to something that has already been mentioned or to introduce a clause that identifies something.

I

A1

The pronoun 'I' is used by a speaker or writer to refer to themselves as the subject of a verb. It is the first-person singular subject pronoun in English and is always capitalized regardless of its position in a sentence.

for

A1

Used to show who is intended to have or use something, or to explain the purpose or reason for an action. It is also frequently used to indicate a specific duration of time.

not

A1

A function word used to express negation or denial. It is primarily used to make a sentence or phrase negative, often following an auxiliary verb or the verb 'to be'.

with

A1

A preposition used to indicate that people or things are together, in the same place, or performing an action together. It can also describe the instrument used to perform an action or a characteristic that someone or something has.

he

A1

A pronoun used to refer to a male person or animal that has already been mentioned or is easily identified. It functions as the subject of a sentence.

you

A1

Used to refer to the person or people that the speaker is addressing. It is the second-person pronoun used for both singular and plural subjects and objects.

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