Words / B1

DEF-in-uh-t/ˈdefɪnət/

Definite means clear and certain: a definite date; a definite no. Definitely is the adverb (already in the dictionary). Definitive means the best or final version — not the same word. Vague is an opposite. Do not write “a definite of”. Exam boards: no definite date for the resit.

Meaning

Clear, certain, and not likely to change.

Examples

• “There is no definite date for the resit yet.”
• “We need a definite answer by noon, not “maybe”.”

Good to know

a definite date / answer / plan. Adverb: definitely. Mix-up: definitive (final/best). Opposite: vague. Not “a definite of”.

Near in meaning

certain

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