definite
adjective
Jed Stevenson
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Spelling: It's Definite NOT Definate
This word can be tricky to spell because its last syllable has that amorphous schwa sound as its vowel.
To remember that the word ends in ite and not ate you can think of a few things:
The word definite doesn't go on forever; it's finite. (Get it? deFINITE.)
The etymology of definite can also be useful in remembering the word's spelling. Definite traces back to the Latin word finire meaning "to limit, end, FINISH." Connect finish to definite and voilà: you can definitely spell definite correctly.
Examples of definite in a Sentence
Luke Smith, New York Times, 6 Apr. 2025
While some bags can go in the washer, the dryer is a definite no-go for bags unless they're made of 100% cotton.
—Katelyn Squiers, Better Homes & Gardens, 6 Apr. 2025
With a 96% Critics Score, initial exit polls from these two markets show a total positive recommend of 92%; with a definite recommend at 79%.
—Jill Goldsmith, Deadline, 30 Mar. 2025
Even the deepest love songs, though, have this sort of sense of the possible impermanence of relationships, and the definite impermanence of life, while still really wanting to be in the moment and relish that love.
—Chris Willman, Variety, 28 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for definite
Cite this Entry
“Definite.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/definite. Accessed 13 Apr. 2025.
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definite
adjective
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