Explanation at your level:
Definite means you are sure. If you say 'I have a definite plan,' it means your plan will not change. It is like saying 'Yes, I am sure!'
Use definite when you want to show you are certain. For example, 'Is the meeting at 5 PM?' 'Yes, it is definite.' It helps people know that things are fixed.
In intermediate English, definite describes something that is clearly stated. It is very useful when you want to avoid confusion. If you need a 'definite answer,' you are asking for a clear 'yes' or 'no' without any 'maybe' attached.
At this level, you can use definite to emphasize certainty in complex situations. It is often used in business or academic contexts to describe results that are clear and undeniable. It adds a layer of professionalism to your speech.
Advanced speakers use definite to distinguish between vague possibilities and concrete facts. It is essential for logical arguments where you need to establish 'definite parameters' or 'definite conclusions' to support your thesis.
At the mastery level, definite functions as a tool for precision. You might use it to discuss 'definite characteristics' of a literary movement or the 'definite impact' of a policy. It conveys a sense of finality and absolute clarity.
30秒でわかる単語
- Definite means certain.
- It is an adjective.
- Use it to show clarity.
- Don't confuse with definitely.
When you call something definite, you are saying it is rock-solid. There is no guessing involved because the details are clear and settled.
Think of it as the opposite of a 'maybe.' If you have a definite plan, you have a time and place locked in. It is a very useful word because it helps you communicate confidence and clarity to others.
The word definite comes from the Latin word definitus, which is the past participle of definire, meaning 'to bound' or 'to limit'.
It arrived in English via Old French in the 16th century. Historically, it was used to describe things that had clear boundaries or limits, which is exactly why we use it today to describe things that are 'limited' to one clear meaning.
You use definite when you need to be precise. It is very common in professional settings like business meetings or when making travel arrangements.
Common phrases include 'a definite answer' or 'definite proof.' It works well in both casual and formal registers, though it is slightly more common in professional writing where clarity is key.
While 'definite' is often used as a standalone descriptor, it appears in phrases like 'a definite maybe' (a humorous way to say someone is unlikely to do something) or 'definite article' (a grammatical term for 'the').
Another common way to use it is saying something is a 'definite yes', meaning there is no hesitation at all.
Definite is an adjective. It is often confused with 'definitely' (the adverb). In British and American English, the IPA is /ˈdɛf.ɪ.nət/.
The stress is on the first syllable: DEF-i-nite. It rhymes with words like 'infinite' or 'senate' (in some dialects).
Fun Fact
It shares a root with 'finish'!
Pronunciation Guide
Clear 'def' sound, short 'i' in middle.
Slightly flatter 'a' sound in the middle.
Common Errors
- Pronouncing the 'i' as 'eye'
- Dropping the final 't'
- Stressing the wrong syllable
Rhymes With
Difficulty Rating
Easy
Easy
Easy
Easy
What to Learn Next
Prerequisites
Learn Next
上級
Grammar to Know
Adjective use
The definite plan.
Adverb vs Adjective
Definite vs Definitely
Articles
The definite article.
Examples by Level
I have a definite plan.
I have a clear plan.
Adjective + Noun
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
The date is definite.
I need a definite answer.
Is that a definite yes?
We have a definite time.
It is a definite improvement.
That is a definite fact.
The rules are definite.
He has a definite style.
There is a definite change in the weather.
I am not sure, but it is a definite possibility.
She gave me a definite promise.
The results show a definite pattern.
We need a definite conclusion by Friday.
His tone was quite definite.
There is a definite difference between them.
The goal is now definite.
The project has a definite end date.
There is a definite sense of urgency.
He made a definite effort to improve.
The evidence provides a definite link to the crime.
She has a definite advantage.
The plan lacks a definite structure.
It is a definite step forward.
They reached a definite agreement.
The study yields definite conclusions.
There is a definite correlation between stress and health.
He expressed a definite opinion on the matter.
The artist has a definite aesthetic.
We need to set definite boundaries.
The policy had a definite impact on the economy.
Her style is quite definite.
The arrangement is now definite.
The text possesses a definite, albeit subtle, irony.
He provided a definite refutation of the theory.
The architecture shows a definite influence of the period.
There is a definite scarcity of resources.
The outcome remains a definite mystery.
She has a definite flair for languages.
The agreement is definite and binding.
His argument lacks a definite foundation.
よく使う組み合わせ
Idioms & Expressions
"a definite maybe"
something that will likely not happen
Will you come? It's a definite maybe.
casual"definite article"
the word 'the'
Use the definite article before nouns.
formal"a definite yes"
an enthusiastic agreement
It was a definite yes from the team.
neutral"in no definite terms"
vaguely
He spoke in no definite terms.
formal"beyond a definite doubt"
absolutely sure
We know it beyond a definite doubt.
formal"definite and final"
cannot be changed
The decision is definite and final.
formalEasily Confused
similar spelling
opposite meaning
Indefinite means not sure.
similar root
it is an adverb
I will definitely go.
noun form
it is the meaning
Check the definition.
opposite concept
vague is unclear
The plan is vague.
Sentence Patterns
Subject + is + definite
The plan is definite.
A + definite + noun
It is a definite win.
Be + definite + about
Be definite about your goals.
There is a + definite + noun
There is a definite improvement.
It remains + definite
The outcome remains definite.
語族
Nouns
Verbs
Adjectives
関連
How to Use It
8/10
Formality Scale
よくある間違い
Confusing the adverb with the adjective.
Common spelling error.
Definite is usually absolute.
Same as above; avoid superlatives.
Wrong preposition usage.
Tips
Memory Palace
Imagine a wall with 'DEFINITE' written on it.
Native usage
Use it to confirm meetings.
Cultural Insight
Americans use it to show confidence.
Grammar Shortcut
Definite is an adjective.
Say It Right
Focus on the first syllable.
Don't Make This Mistake
Don't confuse with definitely.
Did You Know?
It comes from Latin.
Study Smart
Use it in your daily journal.
Memorize It
Mnemonic
Definite = DE-FIN-ITE (De-Finish-It)
Visual Association
A bright red stamp saying 'CONFIRMED'.
Word Web
チャレンジ
Write 3 sentences using 'definite' today.
語源
Latin
Original meaning: to bound or limit
文化的な背景
None
Used frequently in business to signal commitment.
Practice in Real Life
Real-World Contexts
at work
- definite deadline
- definite answer
- definite plan
travel
- definite booking
- definite time
- definite date
school
- definite answer
- definite result
- definite conclusion
daily life
- definite yes
- definite maybe
- definite change
Conversation Starters
"Do you have any definite plans for the weekend?"
"Is it a definite yes or a definite no?"
"Can you give me a definite answer?"
"Is there a definite way to solve this?"
"Do you have a definite favorite color?"
Journal Prompts
Write about a definite goal you have.
Describe a time you needed a definite answer.
What is a definite change you want to make?
Is your daily routine definite or flexible?
よくある質問
8 問No, definitely is the adverb.
It is better to just say 'definite'.
Indefinite or vague.
It works in all registers.
D-E-F-I-N-I-T-E.
It shares a root with finish.
Yes, to describe someone's character.
Yes, very common.
自分をテスト
I have a ___ plan.
Definite means clear.
Which means certain?
Definite is a synonym for certain.
Definite means the same as vague.
They are opposites.
Word
意味
Synonyms.
Correct structure.
スコア： /5
Summary
Definite means something is fixed, clear, and certain.
- Definite means certain.
- It is an adjective.
- Use it to show clarity.
- Don't confuse with definitely.
Memory Palace
Imagine a wall with 'DEFINITE' written on it.
Native usage
Use it to confirm meetings.
Cultural Insight
Americans use it to show confidence.
Grammar Shortcut
Definite is an adjective.
例文
I need a definite answer by tomorrow so I can book the flights.
Related Content
Languageの関連語
abbreviate
C1文字を省略して短くすること。スペースを節約したり、効率よく書いたりするために使われるよ。
ablative
B2A grammatical case used in certain languages, such as Latin, to indicate movement away from, the source, or the instrument of an action. In English, these meanings are typically expressed using prepositions like 'from', 'with', or 'by' rather than specific noun endings.
abphonure
C1A technical term in linguistics and phonetics referring to the intentional or accidental distortion of speech sounds, leading to a loss of phonetic clarity or a shift in meaning. It is often used to describe the degradation of sound quality in specific acoustic environments or the stylistic blurring of words in poetry and song.
abregous
C1To summarize or condense a complex argument, document, or process into its most essential components. This verb is typically used when the goal is to provide clarity or speed up decision-making without losing the core meaning.
abridge
C1本やスピーチなどの内容を、要点を守りつつ削って短くすること。権利などを制限するという意味で使われることもあるよ。
accentuation
B2The act of emphasizing something or making it more prominent and noticeable to the observer. It also refers to the placement of marks or stress on specific syllables in linguistics to indicate correct pronunciation.
acerbic
C1皮肉っぽく、批判的な話し方や書き方。鋭いユーモアがあるが、傷つけることもある。
acrimonious
C1怒りや苦々しさに満ちていること。特に言葉遣いや人間関係において、敵意のこもった論争を指します。
acronym
B2アクロニムとは、複数の単語の頭文字をつなげて作り、一つの単語として発音する省略語のことです。NASAなどがその代表例です。
adage
C1昔からの言い伝えで、人生の教訓や真理を短くまとめた言葉のことだよ。
