First Known Use: 15th century
Dictionary
finite
adjective fi·nite \ˈfī-ˌnīt\
: having limits : having a limited nature
grammar : of or relating to a verb form that shows action that takes place at a particular time (such as the past)
Full Definition of FINITE
1
a : having definite or definable limits <a finite number of possibilities> b : having a limited nature or existence <finite beings>
2
: completely determinable in theory or in fact by counting, measurement, or thought <the finite velocity of light>
3
a : less than an arbitrary positive integer and greater than the negative of that integer b : having a finite number of elements <a finite set>
4
: of, relating to, or being a verb or verb form that can function as a predicate or as the initial element of one and that is limited (as in tense, person, and number)
— finite noun
— fi·nite·ly adverb
— fi·nite·ness noun
See finite defined for English-language learners
See finite defined for kids
ADVERTISEMENT
Origin of FINITE
Middle English finit, from Latin finitus, past participle of finire
FINITE Defined for Kids
finite
adjective fi·nite \ˈfī-ˌnīt\
Definition of FINITE for Kids
: having definite limits <I was given a finite number of choices.>
Word Root of FINITE
The Latin word finis, meaning “end” or “boundary,” gives us the root fin. Words from the Latin finis have something to do with ends or limits. Something final, such as the last chapter in a book, is the ending one. To confine is to put limits or boundaries around something. To finish something is to come to its end. Something finite has limits and happens only for a certain amount of time or in a certain space before it ends.
Learn More About FINITE
Browse
Next Word in the Dictionary: finite canonPrevious Word in the Dictionary: finitaryAll Words Near: finite
ADVERTISEMENT
Seen & Heard
What made you want to look up finite? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).