finite

adjective

fi·​nite ˈfī-ˌnīt 

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 verbs such as "is" and "are"

finite noun

finitely adverb

finiteness noun

Synonyms

• limited

Examples of finite in a Sentence

a finite number of possibilities

the earth's finite supply of natural resources

the finite human lifespan

a finite verb such as “is” or “are”

Recent Examples on the Web

Zelda does get a spin move to cut down grass and bushes for rupees and hearts, but actual combat is relegated to this separate form, which has a finite usage. —Ollie Barder, Forbes, 25 Oct. 2024

The Warriors have a finite amount of time to make a lot of changes. —Danny Emerman, The Mercury News, 3 Oct. 2024

That law stated that the surface gravity of a black hole cannot decrease to zero in a finite amount of time—in other words, that there is no way to create an extremal black hole. —Steve Nadis, WIRED, 15 Sep. 2024

Meanwhile, Sevigny shared that, even in her personal life, truth is not a finite thing. —Carita Rizzo, Variety, 19 Oct. 2024

Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

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

Phrases Containing finite

• finite difference

Kids Definition

finite

adjective

fi·​nite ˈfī-ˌnīt 

1

: having certain limits : limited in scope or nature : not infinite

2

: limited in grammatical person and number

a finite verb

finitely adverb

finiteness noun