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
• confined

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

Scientific American profiles a branch of mathematics that is based on the idea that infinity is impossible, since the universe itself is finite. —Alex Knapp, Forbes.com, 8 Aug. 2025

Disagreements can and should remain on other matters, but the party should be able to agree to a finite number of congressional reforms and bills about which they can all be committed. —Solomon D. Stevens, The Orlando Sentinel, 8 Aug. 2025

If the problem facing the industry is shrinking audiences, what good can come from revisiting a story that appeals to a finite number of people who watched the original? —Sam Reed, Glamour, 7 Aug. 2025

The problem is that there's a lot of sky and a finite number of telescopes, which is why so many asteroids are discovered by dedicated amateurs. —David Szondy august 03, New Atlas, 3 Aug. 2025

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

Rhymes for finite

• affright
• airtight
• albite
• alight
• alright
• aplite
• aright
• bainite
• birthright
• bobwhite
• bornite
• bullfight

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