definite

definite — adjective

1. finally decided and not likely to change — used especially about plans, dates, a

1.adjectiveB1
Definition

finally decided and not likely to change — used especially about plans, dates, arrangements, or answers that are no longer uncertain.

Example

Do you have a definite date for the wedding yet?

definite date / definite plan

The travel plans are still not definite, so we may change the hotel.

Common collocations
  • definite date
  • definite answer
  • definite plan
  • definite arrangement
  • definite time
Synonyms
  • certain

    more general; 'certain' can mean known for sure, while 'definite' emphasises finality of a decision

  • fixed

    more concrete; used for prices, dates, or positions that are set

  • settled

    suggests a decision after discussion or argument

  • confirmed

    implies official verification rather than a personal decision

Antonyms
  • indefinite

    lacking clear limits or a set end date

  • uncertain

    not known or decided; the most general opposite

Grammar Patterns

definite + noun

be + definite

Usage Note

Often used in negative sentences or questions when plans are still uncertain.

Common Mistakes

I need a definitive answer by Friday.' (when you mean a clear, final answer)
I need a definite answer by Friday.
'definitive' means authoritative or final in an absolute sense, while 'definite' means clearly fixed.

2. very clear and easy to see, notice, or understand — for example, a definite impr

2.adjectiveB1
Definition

very clear and easy to see, notice, or understand — for example, a definite improvement, difference, change, or shape that is unmistakable.

Example

There has been a definite improvement in Renata's reading since the new program started.

collocation: definite improvement

A definite shape appears in the foggy photo, but we cannot tell what it is.

Common collocations
  • definite improvement
  • definite change
  • definite difference
  • definite shape
  • definite sense
Synonyms
  • clear

    more common and less formal; used across many contexts

  • obvious

    stronger; implies something is so clear that it cannot be missed

  • noticeable

    focuses on being easily observed by the senses

  • unmistakable

    strongest; impossible to confuse with anything else

Antonyms
  • vague

    not clearly expressed or perceived

  • unclear

    the most general opposite; hard to see or understand

Grammar Patterns

definite + noun

Usage Note

Distinguish from sense 1 (CERTAIN & FIXED): this sense focuses on what is clearly observable, not on whether something has been formally decided.

Common Mistakes

The instructions are definitive.' (when you mean they are clear)
The instructions are definite.
'definitive' means authoritative and conclusive, not simply clear.

definite — noun

Word family

Synonym discussion

Sense: adjective/1

All four words describe something that is not open to further change or doubt, but they differ in use and connotation. 'Definite' emphasises that a decision, plan, or answer has been clearly and finally set. 'Certain' is more general — it can describe something known for sure without implying a formal decision (e.g., 'It is certain that the sun will rise'). 'Fixed' is more concrete and is often used for prices, dates, or positions that cannot move. 'Settled' suggests that a decision came after discussion or argument (e.g., 'a settled custody arrangement'). In everyday conversation, 'definite' and 'certain' are largely interchangeable for plans, but only 'definite' is used with concrete nouns like 'a definite date' or 'a definite answer' to emphasise finality.

definite ↗certain ↗fixed ↗settled ↗

Common collocations

Nouns

Adverbs

  • absolutely definite
  • fairly definite
  • not quite definite
  • less definite

Phrases

  • no definite
  • not definite enough
  • a definite possibility

Prepositions

  • definite about

Etymology

LatinFrenchEnglish

The word 'definite' comes from the Latin word 'definitus', which means 'limited' or 'bounded'. This Latin word is formed from 'de-' (down, away) and 'finire' (to limit or end), which in turn comes from 'finis' (boundary, end). The core idea of having clear boundaries — whether in time, space, or meaning — has stayed with the word throughout its journey from Latin to French ('definit') and finally into English in the 1500s.