definite

definite
definite, definitely
have useful roles as emphasizing words, and should not be dismissed too readily as superfluous:

• His expression was bland, unreadable, but there was a definite glint in his eye that made her pulse begin to race —E. Richmond, 1991

• And pickled onions had definitely been a bad idea —S. Shepherd, 1988.

Since the 1930s, definitely has come into widespread use informally as a strong affirmative reply meaning ‘certainly, indeed’:

• ‘Would they recommend that the experiment is repeated another year?’ ‘Oh, definitely.’ —Sunday Times, 1959.

See also absolutely.
————————
definite, definitive
both refer to things that are said or written. Definite means ‘clear and distinct’, (as in definite advantage, improvement, possibility, etc.) whereas definitive means ‘decisive, unconditional, final’ and normally refers to an answer, verdict, treaty, etc. A definitive text, book, etc., is a printed work that is regarded as the best authority on its subject and likely to remain so. Only definitive has connotations of authority and conclusiveness: a definite answer is one that is clear and specific, whereas a definitive answer is authoritative and dependable.

Modern English usage. 2014.

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Synonyms:
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Look at other dictionaries:

  • Definite — Def i*nite, a. [L. definitis, p. p. of definire: cf. F. d[ e]fini. See {Define}.] 1. Having certain or distinct; determinate in extent or greatness; limited; fixed; as, definite dimensions; a definite measure; a definite period or interval. [1913 …   The Collaborative International Dictionary of English

  • definite — I adjective absolute, accurate, actual, allowed, ascertained, assured, attested, authoritative, axiomatic, beyond all dispute, beyond all question, bound, bounded with precision, categorical, certain, certified, certus, clear, clear cut,… …   Law dictionary

  • definite — 1 Definite, definitive are sometimes confused. What is definite (see also EXPLICIT) has limits so clearly fixed or defined or so unambiguously stated that there can be no doubt concerning the scope or the meaning of something so qualified {he has …   New Dictionary of Synonyms

  • definite — [def′ə nit] adj. [L definitus, pp. of definire: see DEFINE] 1. having exact limits 2. precise and clear in meaning; explicit 3. certain; positive [it s definite that he ll go] 4. Bot. having a constant number of stamens, etc., less than 20 but… …   English World dictionary

  • definite — 1550s, from L. definitus defined, bounded, limited, pp. of definire (see DEFINE (Cf. define)). Definite means defined, clear, precise, unmistakable; definitive means having the character of finality …   Etymology dictionary

  • definite — [adj1] exact, clear audible, bold, categorical, clean cut, clear cut, clearly defined, complete, crisp, definitive, determined, distinct, distinguishable, downright, explicit, express, fixed, forthright, full, graphic, incisive, marked, minute,… …   New thesaurus

  • Definite — Def i*nite, n. A thing defined or determined. [Obs.] [1913 Webster] …   The Collaborative International Dictionary of English

  • definite — description …   Philosophy dictionary

  • definite — ► ADJECTIVE 1) clearly stated or decided; not vague or doubtful. 2) (of a person) certain about something. 3) known to be true or real. 4) having exact and discernible physical limits. DERIVATIVES definiteness noun …   English terms dictionary

  • definite — [[t]de̱fɪnɪt[/t]] 1) ADJ GRADED If something such as a decision or an arrangement is definite, it is firm and clear, and unlikely to be changed. It s too soon to give a definite answer... Her Royal Highness has definite views about most things …   English dictionary

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