Part of Speech

Adjective

Pronunciation

/ˌɪn.dɪˈfɪ.nət/

Definitions

• Not clearly defined or determined; vague or imprecise.
• Lacking definite limits, boundaries, or characteristics.
• Not specific; general or ambiguous in nature.
• Not fixed or certain; subject to change or uncertainty.

Usage Examples

• "The details of the agreement are still indefinite and need further clarification."
• "She had an indefinite amount of time to finish the project."
• "The indefinite nature of the plan led to confusion among the team members."

Etymology

From the Latin "indefinitus," meaning "not defined," composed of "in-" (not) + "definitus" (defined, limited). The word entered English in the late 15th century, initially used to describe things or ideas that were not limited or specific.

Synonyms

• Vague
• Uncertain
• Ambiguous
• Imprecise
• Indeterminate
• Unspecified

Antonyms

• Definite
• Specific
• Clear
• Certain
• Explicit
• Fixed

Translations

Regional Pronunciation Variations

The pronunciation of "indefinite" is largely consistent across English-speaking regions, though slight variations may be noted in terms of vowel length and stress. For instance, in British English, the stress is often on the second syllable ("in-DEF-in-it"), whereas in American English, there may be slight variations in stress and vowel pronunciation.

Historical Usage

The word "indefinite" dates back to the early 16th century. Initially used in philosophical texts, it described concepts that could not be precisely defined. Over time, its usage expanded across various disciplines such as grammar, law, and mathematics to describe things that lack clear definition or boundaries.

Cultural Nuances

In philosophical and legal contexts, "indefinite" refers to things that are open-ended or lacking clear constraints. In contrast, in everyday language, it is often used to describe time or quantity that is imprecise, such as an indefinite amount of time or an indefinite number of possibilities.

More Information

The concept of indefiniteness is significant in fields such as law, philosophy, and linguistics. In grammar, an indefinite article refers to something unspecified, like "a" or "an." In legal contexts, indefinite terms can complicate contracts or agreements, as they lack clear definition or limitation, leading to ambiguity.