Definate Vs Definite, Differences And How To Use Them

Have you ever encountered a word that is so close to your vocabulary that you are certain that it is in the dictionary? Well, this is one of those rare cases. “Definate” is not a word, and you cannot find it in a dictionary. In contrast, “definite” is an accepted term in the English language.

The word “definite” is defined as something that is unquestionably true and cannot be misconstrued in any way. In short, it is something that has a straightforward explanation, with no room for consideration or ambiguity. In contrast, “definate” does not exist. It is a misspelling of “definite.”

In the following article, we will go over all you need to know about the word “definite.” This will include origins, synonyms, antonyms, and example sentences. By reviewing this, we can ensure that you have no doubt as to what the correct word is.

Is “Definate” A Word?

In the age of texting, posting, and DMs, we find ourselves wanting to have words accurately spelled. As a result, when we come across words like “definite,” we struggle. Why is that? The reason behind it is that this word, as is the case for many others in the English language, has a vowel sound (schwa). What this means is that these words have an non-accentuated vowel in their pronunciation (uh) that forces us to remember which vowels are actually being used in the word.

This is exactly what makes words like “banana” (buh·naa·nuh), “balloon” (buh·loon), and “definite” (deh·fuh·nuht) difficult to spell. Something that can help us remember how to spell the word would be to remember that the word relates to “finish.” Additionally, there is a trick that the Merriam-Webster dictionary gives us. They say if we recognize that the word has “finite” in it, we will never have trouble misspelling the word. Nonetheless, we can say for sure that “definate” is not the correct spelling for this word.

Definite

As previously mentioned, this word relates to the meaning “without question and beyond doubt.” or “In a definite manner.” Simply put, when we are absolutely sure of something, we use this word to describe it, making it an adjective. The word dates back to 1574, and it is comprised of the adjective “definite” and the suffix -ly.

However, there is more that we can refer to when using this word. When used in an informal setting, it serves as a substitute for sentences. Doubt, approval, and even happiness can be expressed through it. For example:

• Yeah, she definitely wants to come. (doubt)
• Of course! She most definitely will come. (approval)
• Definitely! I would love to come! (happiness)

Furthermore, it can be used to give information about another word in the same sentence. This means that they can change the meaning of a word depending on the intention of the speaker (sentence modifier). For example:

• She will come, definitely.
• The police came when called, definitely.

Synonyms And Antonyms

There is no doubt that synonyms and antonyms are incredibly helpful to us. They help us diversify our vocabulary, drastically improve the quality of our writing, and enhance our communication skills. But most importantly, they help us understand the meaning of words. The following bullets will list synonyms and antonyms of the word “definite.”

You should bear in mind that when we use any of the synonyms listed below, the terms will be understood as “definite.” Thus they can be used interchangeably. Alternatively, since the words listed as antonyms have an opposite or different meaning to the word in question, they cannot be substituted for one another.

Synonyms

• Explicit
• Specific
• Express
• Precise
• Exact
• Certain
• Defined
• Well Defined
• Clear-cut
• Determined
• Fixed

Antonyms

• Ambiguous
• Doubtful
• Equivocal
• Vague
• Indefinite
• Indistinct
• Inexact
• Obscure
• Questionable
• Uncertain

Examples In Sentences

It’s no coincidence that we humans are considered visual creatures. Our learning depends so much on visuals that The Social Science Research Network estimates that about 65% of the world population are visual learners. As such, since we are no strangers to this in our articles, we will show you examples of how to use the word “definite” in sentences, as well as some of the previously listed synonyms and antonyms.

1. She definitely has to get liposuction. Those rolls are going away by themselves.
2. Her answer was “definitely,” but I’m pretty sure she was being sarcastic.
3. I’m his biggest fan, which means that I definitely won’t stop until he gives me his autograph.
4. You can definitely not read my poker face. So let it go.
5. She said that when it comes to love, it definitely isn’t fun unless it is challenging.
6. I promise that getting a new boyfriend will definitely be the cure.
7. The way she sang that song in the last work karaoke, along with how she was looking at Mark, definitely describes how she feels about him.
8. Putting your hands up in the sky, swinging them from side to side, and jumping, will definitely ensure you have a fantastic time at the concert.
9. Jonathan was explicit. Don’t touch his things!
10. Stephany said she would marry the night. She was very specific.
11. He got expressed consent from the principal. If she says otherwise, we will object.
12. My UberEats driver asked for my precise location. I’m tired of having to explain it to them.
13. Even if I tried, I could not repeat the exact word that Draco uses to refer to Hermione.
14. Please get the client-defined wording right this time. I am tired of having to correct that.
15. You know what, I am tired of being ambiguous with you. I love you, do something about it!
16. Listen, I am doubtful of his experience. However, I am not his boss.
17. Do you really think that his choice of words would be intended to be equivocal? Please! He is not that smart.
18. Liz was intentionally vague with her answers. She was trying to sound mysterious.
19. The indefinite time frame of this schedule has got me tired. I quit!
20. I’m sorry, but your calculations are inexact. Clearly, it doesn’t matter that your degree comes from Standford University.

Conclusion

Even though since we were young, we have been taught not to judge a book by its cover, we as humans have an innate passion for looking good under any circumstance. Whether it’s our physical appearance, intelligence, work, or writing, we simply cannot escape this reality. Unfortunately for us, there are words that are simply confusing for us to write. Such is the case with “definite,” and to be honest, how could we not be confused? This word, like many others, has that tricky schwa sound in it. Thus, endlessly making us doubt our very own existence when we are required to write them. Nonetheless, after reading this article, this will not be our case.

In this article, we have already gone over what the word means, the correct spelling, synonyms, antonyms, and examples of the word in sentences. This most definitely, ensures that we spell the word as “definite” and not “definate.” Whenever in doubt, remember the word is directly related to “finish.” Another trick that comes from our friends over at Merriam Webster’s dictionary is to remember that “definite” has “finite” in it. Therefore, the correct spelling is de-fi-nite. However, if you are still unsure, you can always come back to this article to clear your confusion.