infinite

infinite — adjective

1. having no end or boundary in space, time, or number — so that nothing lies beyon

1.adjectiveB1
Definition

having no end or boundary in space, time, or number — so that nothing lies beyond or comes after it.

Example

Kwame gazed across the desert at the seemingly infinite sands of the Sahara.

seemingly + infinite for near-limits

The stars are so numerous that the universe seems almost infinite in size.

almost + infinite + in [dimension]

Common collocations
  • infinite + space / universe / time / distance / loop / expanse
  • seemingly infinite / almost infinite / virtually infinite
Synonyms
  • endless

    more everyday in tone; implies a sequence that continues without stopping

  • limitless

    emphasises the absence of restrictions or boundaries

  • boundless

    more poetic or literary; suggests something that expands freely

  • unbounded

    formal; often used in mathematics or philosophy

Antonyms
  • finite

    the direct opposite; having a clear limit or end

  • limited

    restricted within fixed boundaries

Usage Note

Often modified by 'almost,' 'nearly,' or 'virtually' when describing something extremely large without claiming literal boundlessness.

Common Mistakes

The supply of fresh water on Earth is infinite.
The supply of fresh water on Earth is finite.
'Infinite' means without limits; 'finite' means limited.

2. so great in amount, degree, or capacity that it cannot be measured or fully used

2.adjectiveB1
Definition

so great in amount, degree, or capacity that it cannot be measured or fully used up.

Example

Emre showed infinite patience when teaching his younger brother to read.

infinite + patience (abstract quality)

Adaeze felt infinite gratitude toward the hospital staff who saved her daughter.

infinite + gratitude

Common collocations
  • infinite + patience / love / gratitude / care / variety / wisdom / generosity
  • seemingly infinite / almost infinite
Synonyms
  • vast

    more concrete; used for area, scope, or quantity

  • immeasurable

    formal; emphasises that something is too great to calculate

  • inexhaustible

    focuses on supply that never runs out

  • countless

    used when something is too numerous to count

Antonyms

Usage Note

Typically modifies abstract nouns (patience, gratitude, love, care, variety) rather than concrete physical objects. Common in appreciative or admiring contexts.

Common Mistakes

I have an infinite amount of homework to finish tonight.
I have a huge amount of homework to finish tonight.
'Infinite' suggests literally no limit, which sounds exaggerated for everyday situations.

infinite — noun

Word family

  • infinitely
    adverbB1
  • infinity
    nounB1
  • infinitude
    nounC1
  • infinitesimal
    adjectiveC1
  • finity
    nounC1
  • finite
    adjectiveB1

Synonym discussion

Sense: adjective/2

All four words describe something extremely large, but they differ in scope and connotation. 'Vast' is the most concrete — it describes physical area or quantity (a vast desert, a vast amount of data). 'Immeasurable' is more formal and suggests something too great for any measuring system (immeasurable wealth, immeasurable sadness). 'Inexhaustible' focuses on supply that never runs out (inexhaustible energy, an inexhaustible source of ideas). 'Countless' applies specifically to number (countless stars, countless attempts). 'Infinite' goes further than all of these: it implies not just a very large amount but the absence of any limit at all. Use 'infinite' when you want to emphasise that the quantity or degree is beyond any possible measure — for example, 'She showed infinite patience with the children' suggests a bottomless well of patience, not just a lot of it.

vast ↗immeasurable ↗inexhaustiblecountless ↗

Common collocations

Adverbs

Phrases

  • infinite in size / extent / scope / duration
  • infinite in number / variety

Prepositions

Etymology

LatinFrenchEnglish

Inherited from Latin 'infīnītus', a combination of the negative prefix 'in-' (not) and 'fīnītus' (limited, finished). The Latin 'fīnītus' itself comes from 'fīnis' (end, boundary). So 'infinite' literally means 'not finished' or 'having no end.' The word entered English through French in the 14th century, first used in mathematical and theological writing before broadening into everyday speech.