indefinite Definition
- 1not clearly defined or determined; vague
- 2lasting for an unknown or unstated length of time
- 3not having a specific or particular purpose, intention, or aim
Using indefinite: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "indefinite" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
The meeting was postponed for an indefinite period.
Example
He has an indefinite amount of time to complete the project.
Example
The instructions were too indefinite to follow.
Example
The painting had an indefinite quality that made it difficult to describe.
indefinite Synonyms and Antonyms
Synonyms for indefinite
Antonyms for indefinite
Phrases with indefinite
a or an, used before a noun that is general or not specific
Example
An indefinite article is used before a singular noun that begins with a vowel sound.
a pronoun that does not refer to a specific person, place, thing, or idea
Example
Examples of indefinite pronouns include 'anyone,' 'someone,' 'nothing,' and 'everything.'
a type of immigration status in the UK that allows a person to live and work in the country without any time restrictions
Example
After five years on a work visa, she applied for indefinite leave to remain in the UK.
Origins of indefinite
from Latin 'indefinitus', meaning 'undefined'
Summary: indefinite in Brief
The term 'indefinite' [ɪnˈdɛfɪnət] refers to something that is not clearly defined or determined, lasting for an unknown or unstated length of time, or not having a specific purpose or aim. Examples include 'The meeting was postponed for an indefinite period' and 'The instructions were too indefinite to follow.' The term also extends into phrases like 'indefinite article,' which refers to 'a' or 'an,' and 'indefinite pronoun,' which refers to pronouns like 'anyone' and 'something.'