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Definition of definiteness

definiteness

/ˈdɛf.ə.nət.nəs/
def · i · nite · ness
Adverb:definitely
•
Adjective:definite
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definiteness Lexical Profile

definiteness Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

The quality or state of being exact, clearly defined, or free from ambiguity and doubt.

Example

"The legal contract lacked the definiteness required to make its terms enforceable in court."

2

In linguistics, a semantic and grammatical feature of noun phrases that distinguishes identifiable, specific referents from non-specific or newly introduced ones.

Example

"Languages vary widely in how they mark definiteness through articles, affixes, or word order."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• Rhymes for definiteness

• Nearby Words

defining
definite
definitely
definiteness
definition
definitional
definitionally

Word Origin & Etymology

Formed in English from the adjective 'definite' plus the abstract noun suffix '-ness'. 'Definite' derives from Latin 'definitus', the past participle of 'definire' ('to bound, limit, or explain'), from 'de-' ('completely') and 'finire' ('to finish or bound', from 'finis', meaning 'boundary' or 'end').

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Definiteness. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/definiteness
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