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finite

adjective
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fi·​nite | \ ˈfī-ˌnīt How to pronounce finite (audio) \

Definition of finite

1a : 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
3a : 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 verbs such as "is" and "are"
Other Words from finite Synonyms & Antonyms More Example Sentences Phrases Containing finite Learn More About finite

Other Words from finite

finite noun
finitely adverb
finiteness noun

Examples of finite in a Sentence

a finite number of possibilities the earth's finite supply of natural resources the finite human life span a finite verb such as “is” or “are”
Recent Examples on the Web Kaplan said the death in January of the foundation’s chairman, Ed Rasmuson, reminded her that life is finite, the organization said in an announcement on Tuesday. — Alex Demarban, Anchorage Daily News, 16 Mar. 2022 The idea that life is finite, and that it must be appreciated and savored and lived before it’s gone, is not new. — David Fear, Rolling Stone, 4 Mar. 2022 Sponges have a very slow metabolism, but their food supply is finite. — Ed Yong, The Atlantic, 8 Feb. 2022 See More

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'finite.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

First Known Use of finite

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

History and Etymology for finite

Middle English, borrowed from Latin fīnītus "specific, definite, having bounds or limits," from past participle of fīnīre "to mark out the boundaries, limit, put an end to, bring to a close" — more at finish entry 1

Learn More About finite

Dictionary Entries Near finite

finitary

finite

finite canon

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Statistics for finite

Last Updated

3 Apr 2022

Look-up Popularity

Top 2% of words

Cite this Entry

“Finite.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/finite. Accessed 11 Apr. 2022.

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More Definitions for finite

finite

adjective
fi·​nite | \ ˈfī-ˌnīt How to pronounce finite (audio) \

Kids Definition of finite

: having definite limits I was given a finite number of choices.

More from Merriam-Webster on finite

Nglish: Translation of finite for Spanish Speakers

Britannica English: Translation of finite for Arabic Speakers

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