Definate vs. Definite — Which is Correct Spelling?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Fiza Rafique — Updated on March 19, 2024
"Definate" is an incorrect spelling, while "definite" is correct, meaning clear and certain or distinctly stated.
Table of Contents
Which is correct: Definate or Definite
How to spell Definite?
Definate
Incorrect Spelling
Definite
Correct Spelling
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Key Differences
"Definate" sounds like "deflate" but that's not our word; stick with "definite."
Remember that "definite" has the word "fin" like a shark fin, which is sharp and clear.
Associate "definite" with "definition" both starting with "defin-."
"Definite" is definite about its spelling; there’s no "a" in the middle.
Think of "finite" as in limited; "definite" has "finite" in it.
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How Do You Spell Definite Correctly?
Incorrect: Her plans are still not definate.
Correct: Her plans are still not definite.
Incorrect: The schedule is not definate yet.
Correct: The schedule is not definite yet.
Incorrect: There's no definate proof of what happened.
Correct: There's no definite proof of what happened.
Incorrect: I need a definate answer by tomorrow.
Correct: I need a definite answer by tomorrow.
Incorrect: Can you give me a definate time for the meeting?
Correct: Can you give me a definite time for the meeting?
Definite Definitions
Certain or sure about something.
I have a definite feeling we've met before.
Specified, fixed, or clearly defined.
They set a definite purpose for the project.
Clearly stated or decided; not vague or doubtful.
The date for the meeting is now definite.
Known for certain.
It's definite that he will attend the event.
Limiting or specifying.
The definite article in English is the.
Clearly defined; explicitly precise
A definite statement of the terms of the will.
Forthright and unambiguous
The doctor was very definite about what foods you should avoid.
Clearly developed or firmly decided
No definite idea of what to do for a career.
Readily distinguished or certain
At a definite disadvantage.
(Grammar) Limiting or particularizing.
Of a fixed number usually less than 20, as certain floral organs, especially stamens.
Cymose; determinate.
Having distinct limits.
Definite dimensions; a definite measure; a definite period or interval
Free from any doubt.
Definite knowledge
Determined; resolved; decided.
(linguistics) Designating an identified or immediately identifiable person or thing, or group of persons or things
The definite article
(grammar) A word or phrase that designates a specified or identified person or entity.
(obsolete) Anything that is defined or determined.
Having certain or distinct; determinate in extent or greatness; limited; fixed; as, definite dimensions; a definite measure; a definite period or interval.
Elements combine in definite proportions.
Having certain limits in signification; determinate; certain; precise; fixed; exact; clear; as, a definite word, term, or expression.
Determined; resolved.
Serving to define or restrict; limiting; determining; as, the definite article.
A thing defined or determined.
Precise; explicit and clearly defined;
I want a definite answer
A definite statement of the terms of the will
A definite amount
Definite restrictions on the sale of alcohol
The wedding date is now definite
A definite drop in attendance
Known for certain;
It is definite that they have won
Definite Meaning in a Sentence
The company has made a definite improvement in customer service.
He's a definite contender for the championship title.
There was a definite chill in the air that morning.
The test results showed a definite increase in her scores.
We have a definite plan for the weekend.
The teacher gave us definite instructions on how to proceed.
The weather forecast promises definite rain later today.
His reply left us with some definite concerns.
There's a definite difference in quality between the two products.
You need to be more definite in your goals.
The meeting was postponed until a definite date could be set.
There's a definite need for change in the system.
I have definite reasons for making this decision.
Her departure left a definite void in the team.
She felt a definite sense of achievement after completing the project.
She has a definite flair for writing.
This is a definite sign of progress.
The results are a definite step forward for our research.
They noticed a definite pattern in the data.
The movie had a definite impact on his career.
There was no definite evidence to support the claim.
The experiment yielded definite results.
A definite conclusion was reached after the discussion.
He has a definite advantage over his competitors.
The book has a definite appeal to young readers.
Common Curiosities
What is the pronunciation of definite?
Definite is pronounced as /ˈdɛfɪnɪt/.
Why is it called definite?
It is called "definite" because it originates from the Latin word "definitus," which means "defined or limited."
Which vowel is used before definite?
The vowel "i" is used before "definite."
What is the verb form of definite?
The verb form related to "definite" is "define."
Which conjunction is used with definite?
Any conjunction can be used with "definite," such as "and," "but," or "or," depending on the sentence structure.
What is the root word of definite?
The root word of "definite" is the Latin word "definitus."
Is definite a noun or adjective?
Definite is an adjective.
Is definite an abstract noun?
No, "definite" is an adjective, not an abstract noun.
Which article is used with definite?
Both definite ("the") and indefinite ("a" or "an") articles can be used with words modified by "definite."
Is definite a negative or positive word?
"Definite" is neutral; it indicates certainty without a positive or negative connotation.
What is the singular form of definite?
Definite is itself in singular form.
What is the plural form of definite?
Definite does not have a standard plural form as it is an adjective. However, nouns it modifies can be plural.
Is definite a collective noun?
No, "definite" is an adjective, not a collective noun.
What is a stressed syllable in definite?
The first syllable "de" is stressed in "definite."
What is another term for definite?
Another term for "definite" is "explicit."
What is the opposite of definite?
The opposite of "definite" is "indefinite" or "vague."
Which preposition is used with definite?
Prepositions like "for," "about," or "with" can be used with "definite," depending on the context.
How many syllables are in definite?
Definite has three syllables.
How do we divide definite into syllables?
Definite is divided as def-i-nite.
What part of speech is definite?
Definite is an adjective.
Which determiner is used with definite?
Any appropriate determiner can be used with "definite," such as "the," "this," "that," etc., depending on the context.
What is the first form of definite?
Definite is an adjective, so it doesn't have verb forms. However, the related verb "define" has its first form as "define."
Is definite an adverb?
No, "definite" is not an adverb. However, "definitely" is the adverbial form.
Is the word definite imperative?
No, "definite" is an adjective, not an imperative verb.
What is the second form of definite?
For the verb "define," the second form is "defined."
Is definite a vowel or consonant?
The term "definite" is a word, not a single letter. Thus, it's neither a vowel nor a consonant.
Is definite a countable noun?
Definite is an adjective and not a noun, so it's not countable.
Is the definite term a metaphor?
No, "definite" is not a metaphor; it's a descriptive term.
What is the third form of definite?
For the verb "define," the third form is also "defined."
How is definite used in a sentence?
"We have made a definite decision to move to another city."
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Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
