Langimage
English

indefinite

|in/def/i/nite|

B2

/ɪnˈdɛfɪnɪt/

vague quality

Etymology
Etymology Information

'indefinite' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'indefinitus,' where 'in-' meant 'not' and 'definitus' meant 'defined.'

Historical Evolution

'indefinitus' transformed into the French word 'indéfini,' and eventually became the modern English word 'indefinite' through Middle English.

Meaning Changes

Initially, it meant 'not defined,' and this meaning has largely remained the same in modern usage.

Meanings by Part of Speech

Adjective 1

not clearly defined or having no exact limits.

The project was postponed for an indefinite period.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Last updated: 2025/01/11 11:40