I. ˈdef(ə)nə̇t, usu -ə̇d.+V adjective
Etymology: Latin definitus, past participle of definire to limit, determine, bring to an end — more at define
1. : having distinct or certain limits : determinate in extent or character : limited , fixed
definite dimensions
a definite period
2. : marked by absence of the ambiguous, obscure, doubtful, or tentative and by certain clear statement or expression by means of flat positive assertion, careful statement of limitation, or accepted, finished form
whatever qualification of counter doctrine there was in his grouped arguments, there was none in the conclusion; and the definite conclusion was what men wanted — H.O.Taylor
3.
a. of a grammatical modifier : typically designating an identified or immediately identifiable person or thing
this in “this card”, that in “that house”, my in “my father”, Paul's in “Paul's absence” are definite modifiers
the definite article the
b. of an adjective form or set of adjective forms : weak 8b
c.
[French définit, from Latin definitus ]
(1) of a verb form or set of verb forms in French : typically denoting simple occurrence of an action without reference to its completeness or incompleteness, duration, or repetition — usually used in the phrase past definite
je vis “I saw” contains a past definite verb
(2) of a verb form or set of verb forms in English : progressive 7
4.
a. of floral organs : constant in number usually less than 20 and in multiples of the petal number
stamens definite
b. : cymose
5. : real , actual
ambition, which had been formless and remote, became definite — Ellen Glasgow
: positive , cogent
it is a definite instrument for maldistribution of the world's income — J.A.Hobson
Synonyms: see explicit
II. noun
( -s )
: a definite verb form or set of verb forms in a language