Indefinite Meaning and Definition
Indefinite
Pronunciation
/ˌɪnˈdɛfɪnɪt/
Part of Speech
Adjective
Definition
Lacking clear boundaries, limits, or definition; unclear or uncertain in nature or extent.
Examples
- The company’s indefinite deadline for the project caused uncertainty among employees.
- The artist’s indefinite style made it difficult to categorize their work.
Synonyms
- Vague
- Uncertain
Antonyms
- Definite
- Specific
Additional Information
The term “indefinite” is often used in various contexts, including mathematics, linguistics, and philosophy, to describe concepts or entities that lack clear boundaries or definitions. In grammar, an indefinite article or pronoun is one that does not specify a particular noun or entity, such as “a” or “some”.
In everyday language, “indefinite” is used to describe situations or outcomes that are unclear or uncertain, such as an indefinite delay or an indefinite leave of absence.
Etymology
The word “indefinite” originates from the Latin “indefinitus”, meaning “not defined” or “uncertain”. It has been used in the English language since the 15th century to describe concepts or entities that lack clear boundaries or definitions.
Usage Notes
The word “indefinite” can be used in a variety of contexts, including mathematics, linguistics, and philosophy. It is often used to describe concepts or entities that lack clear boundaries or definitions.
Cultural References
The concept of indefiniteness has been explored in various cultural and artistic works, such as the surrealist movement in art and the philosophical concept of ambiguity.
Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases
- Indefinite article
- Indefinite integral
Related Words or Phrases
- Vague
- Uncertain
- Ambiguous
Collocations
- Indefinite article
- Indefinite integral
- Indefinite leave
Frequency of Use
The word “indefinite” is moderately common in modern language, particularly in academic and technical contexts.
Common Misspellings
- Indefinate
- Indefinete
- Indefinat