DEFINITE

Pronunciation (US): (GB):

I. (adjective)

Sense 1

Meaning:

Known for certain

Example:

it is definite that they have won

Classified under:

Adjectives

Similar:

certain (established beyond doubt or question; definitely known)

Derivation:

definiteness (the quality of being predictable with great confidence)

Sense 2

Meaning:

Precise; explicit and clearly defined

Example:

a definite drop in attendance

Classified under:

Adjectives

Similar:

certain (definite but not specified or identified)

decisive (unmistakable)

decided; distinct (recognizable; marked)

Also:

clear (readily apparent to the mind)

defined (clearly characterized or delimited)

distinct (easy to perceive; especially clearly outlined)

explicit; expressed (precisely and clearly expressed or readily observable; leaving nothing to implication)

Antonym:

indefinite (vague or not clearly defined or stated)

Credits

Context examples:

All this, though it whetted my curiosity, told me little that was definite.

(The Strange Case Of Dr. Jekyll And Mr. Hyde, by Robert Louis Stevenson)

An imaginary surface formed by extension of a point through any axis or two definite points; any flat two-dimensional surface.

(Plane, NCI Thesaurus)

EXAMPLE(S): unrelated, unlikely, possible, probable, definite (for adverse events in respect to CTEP and FAET)related, possibly related, unlikely related, not related (for adverse events in respect to SDTM & E2B)

(Evaluated Activity Relationship Probability Code, NCI Thesaurus/BRIDG)

The markings are quite definite and there are distinctive pale "spectacles" around the eyes.

(Keeshond, NCI Thesaurus)

Tissue composed of specialized cells that are organized as a definite organ, situated along the course of lymphatic vessels, and consisting of an outer cortical and an inner medullary part.

(Lymph Node Tissue, NCI Thesaurus)

A solid, homogeneous, inorganic substance occurring in nature and having a definite chemical composition.

(Mineral, NCI Thesaurus)

As to Van Helsing, he was employed in a definite way.

(Dracula, by Bram Stoker)

Let me remind you that we came here upon a perfectly definite mission, entrusted to us at the meeting of the Zoological Institute in London.

(The Lost World, by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle)

There is nothing clear and sharp and definite about the thought you have expressed.

(The Sea-Wolf, by Jack London)

My work, which had appeared so vague, so hopelessly diffuse, condensed itself as he proceeded, and assumed a definite form under his shaping hand.