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

The existence of such a pile would contradict the strongest evidence mathematicians have for a finite cap on rank. —Joseph Howlett, Quanta Magazine, 11 Nov. 2024

Even though there's a finite number of permits issued every day on the middle fork, those groups can be big, upwards of 20 people. —Outside Online, 30 Oct. 2024

And rainwater, ironically another finite resource now, for toilets. —Susanne Paola Antonetta, CNN, 11 Oct. 2024

In 1892, the mathematician Otto Hölder proposed that researchers assemble a complete list of all possible finite simple groups. —Leila Sloman, WIRED, 6 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