definite
Leaving no question
Definite means clearly stated, decided, or established beyond doubt.
A definite answer leaves no ambiguity.
A definite plan has been settled.
Something definite has clear limits or boundaries—a definite shape, a definite time.
The word often contrasts with vague or tentative: We don't have anything definite yet.
In grammar, the definite article is "the," which points to a specific noun rather than any member of a class.
Free from doubt
- sureFree from uncertainty
- clearWithout obstruction or fog
- unambiguousAllowing single interpretation only
- unequivocalAllowing one meaning only
explicit · precise · unmistakable · absolute · conclusive · positive · decisive · fixed
Solid or resolute
- bindingLegally or morally required
- committedFirmly pledged or bound
- pledgedFormally promised something
- guaranteedPromised with certainty
promised · agreed · contracted · locked-in · scheduled · confirmed · booked · reserved
Clearly distinguishable, separate
- clear-cutPlainly evident, unmistakable
- sharpFine-edged, or astute
- outlinedTraced the edges of
- delineatedDescribed with precision
demarcated · marked · bounded · limited · circumscribed · edged · contoured · crisp
Written piece or grammatical word
- theNot just any
- determinerNoun-introducing word class
- specificityExactness of detail
- referentWhat a term designates
noun · particular · identified · known · singular · plural · anaphoric · reference
certain
Free from doubt
- sureFree from uncertainty
- clearWithout obstruction or fog
- unambiguousAllowing single interpretation only
unequivocal · explicit · precise · unmistakable · absolute · conclusive · positive · decisive · fixed · settled
firm
Solid or resolute
- bindingLegally or morally required
- committedFirmly pledged or bound
- pledgedFormally promised something
guaranteed · promised · agreed · contracted · locked-in · scheduled · confirmed · booked · reserved · appointed
distinct
Clearly distinguishable, separate
delineated · demarcated · marked · bounded · limited · circumscribed · edged · contoured · crisp · pronounced
article
Written piece or grammatical word
- theNot just any
- determinerNoun-introducing word class
- specificityExactness of detail
referent · noun · particular · identified · known · singular · plural · anaphoric · reference · demonstrative
- certaintycertain, sure, uncertain, unsure, doubtful
- Absolutesabsolute, absolutely, all, always, complete
- risk-freeguaranteed, secure, safe, protected, assured
- precisionprecise, exact, accurate, pinpoint, spot-on
- concise writingconcise, brief, short, terse, crisp
- stuckjammed, clogged, trapped, stuck in mud, snowed in
definiteindefinite
Not precisely determined
vague · imprecise · inexact · indistinct · approximate
- definitely notEmphatic negative response
- high definitionSuperior visual resolution
- by definitionAs a matter of meaning
- defining momentCrucial event shaping outcome
- dictionary definitionA word's stated meaning
- definite maybeSelf-canceling tentative agreement
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