Indefinite vs. Infinite: Know the Difference
By Shumaila Saeed || Updated on December 25, 2023
Indefinite implies an unclear, unspecified extent or duration, whereas infinite refers to something without any limits or end.
Key Differences
Indefinite refers to something that is not clearly defined or determined; it lacks precise limits or boundaries. Infinite, in contrast, describes something that is limitless or endless in space, duration, or extent. While indefinite suggests a lack of clarity or specificity, infinite implies an unending continuation or immeasurability.
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Dec 06, 2023
In the context of time, indefinite can describe a period that is not fixed or known, such as an indefinite delay. Infinite, on the other hand, would refer to time that extends endlessly, without beginning or end. The indefinite is temporal uncertainty, whereas the infinite is eternal continuity.
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Dec 06, 2023
From a spatial perspective, something indefinite might have vague or undefined boundaries, like an area of indefinite size. Infinite space, however, would extend boundlessly, without any limits. Thus, indefinite connotes ambiguity in extent, while infinite denotes unbounded expanse.
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Dec 06, 2023
In terms of usage, indefinite is often applied in more practical, everyday contexts, indicating something temporary but unspecified, like an indefinite appointment. Infinite is more commonly used in philosophical or mathematical contexts to indicate concepts beyond any finite understanding or measurement.
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Dec 06, 2023
Conceptually, indefinite can imply potential for definition or limitation in the future, as in an agreement with indefinite terms. Infinite, however, rules out this possibility, embodying the concept of endlessness or immeasurability in its very essence, such as the infinite universe.
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Dec 06, 2023
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Comparison Chart
Definition
Lacking clear boundaries or limits
Endless or unbounded in extent
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Quantitative Value
Not precisely quantifiable
Beyond any quantifiable measure
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Contextual Usage
More practical, everyday contexts
Philosophical, mathematical contexts
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Indefinite and Infinite Definitions
Indefinite
Undefined Terms
The agreement was left indefinite for future discussion.
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Indefinite
Unlimited Flexibility
The contract allowed for indefinite changes.
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Indefinite
Ambiguous Duration
The meeting was postponed for an indefinite period.
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Infinite
Having no boundaries or limits; impossible to measure or calculate.
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Infinite
Immeasurably great or large; boundless
Infinite patience.
A discovery of infinite importance.
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Oct 19, 2023
Indefinite
Vague or unclear.
She gave an indefinite answer which nobody really understood.
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Oct 19, 2023
Infinite
Existing beyond or being greater than any arbitrarily large value.
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Oct 19, 2023
Indefinite
Undecided or uncertain.
I'm still indefinite about what I'm going to study at college.
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Infinite
Of or relating to a set capable of being put into one-to-one correspondence with a proper subset of itself.
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Indefinite
(linguistics) Designating an unspecified or unidentified person or thing or group of persons or things
The indefinite article
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Oct 19, 2023
Indefinite
(grammar) A word or phrase that designates an unspecified or unidentified person or thing or group of persons or things.
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Oct 19, 2023
Indefinite
Not definite; not limited, defined, or specified; not explicit; not determined or fixed upon; not precise; uncertain; vague; confused; obscure; as, an indefinite time, plan, etc.
It were to be wished that . . . men would leave off that indefinite way of vouching, "the chymists say this," or "the chymists affirm that."
The time of this last is left indefinite.
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Indefinite
Having no determined or certain limits; large and unmeasured, though not infinite; unlimited; as, indefinite space; the indefinite extension of a straight line.
Though it is not infinite, it may be indefinite; though it is not boundless in itself, it may be so to human comprehension.
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Indefinite
Boundless; infinite.
Indefinite and omnipresent God,Inhabiting eternity.
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Infinite
(mathematics) Greater than any positive quantity or magnitude; limitless.
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Oct 19, 2023
Indefinite
Too numerous or variable to make a particular enumeration important; - said of the parts of a flower, and the like. Also, indeterminate.
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Oct 19, 2023
Indefinite
Vague or not clearly defined or stated;
Must you be so indefinite?
Amorphous blots of color having vague and indefinite edges
He would not answer so indefinite a proposal
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Oct 19, 2023
Indefinite
Not decided or not known;
Were indefinite about their plans
Plans are indefinite
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Infinite
(music) Capable of endless repetition; said of certain forms of the canon, also called perpetual fugues, constructed so that their ends lead to their beginnings.
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Oct 19, 2023
Indefinite
Non-specific Nature
She gave an indefinite answer to the question.
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Dec 06, 2023
Infinite
(video games) A combo that can be used repeatedly without interruption.
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Oct 19, 2023
Infinite
Unlimited or boundless, in time or space; as, infinite duration or distance.
Whatever is finite, as finite, will admit of no comparative relation with infinity; for whatever is less than infinite is still infinitely distant from infinity; and lower than infinite distance the lowest or least can not sink.
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Oct 19, 2023
Infinite
Without limit in power, capacity, knowledge, or excellence; boundless; immeasurably or inconceivably great; perfect; as, the infinite wisdom and goodness of God; - opposed to finite.
Great is our Lord, and of great power; his understanding is infinite.
O God, how infinite thou art!
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Oct 19, 2023
Infinite
Indefinitely large or extensive; great; vast; immense; gigantic; prodigious.
Infinite riches in a little room.
Which infinite calamity shall causeTo human life.
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Infinite
Greater than any assignable quantity of the same kind; - said of certain quantities.
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Oct 19, 2023
Infinite
Capable of endless repetition; - said of certain forms of the canon, called also perpetual fugues, so constructed that their ends lead to their beginnings, and the performance may be incessantly repeated.
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Oct 19, 2023
Infinite
That which is infinite; boundless space or duration; infinity; boundlessness.
Not till the weight is heaved from off the air, and the thunders roll down the horizon, will the serene light of God flow upon us, and the blue infinite embrace us again.
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Oct 19, 2023
Infinite
An infinity; an incalculable or very great number.
Glittering chains, embroidered richly o'erWith infinite of pearls and finest gold.
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Infinite
Having no limits or boundaries in time or space or extent or magnitude;
The infinite ingenuity of man
Infinite wealth
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Infinite
Of verbs; having neither person nor number nor mood (as a participle or gerund or infinitive);
Infinite verb form
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Oct 19, 2023
Infinite
Too numerous to be counted;
Incalculable riches
Countless hours
An infinite number of reasons
Innumerable difficulties
The multitudinous seas
Myriad stars
Untold thousands
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Oct 19, 2023
Repeatedly Asked Queries
Do indefinite and infinite have synonyms?
Yes, but each word's synonyms reflect their distinct meanings.
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Dec 06, 2023
Is indefinite always related to time?
No, it can refer to any unspecified or unclear extent.
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Dec 06, 2023
Can something become less indefinite?
Yes, as more information or definition is provided.
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Dec 06, 2023
Can indefinite mean temporary?
Indirectly, as it implies a lack of permanent definition.
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Dec 06, 2023
What does indefinite mean in a contract?
It refers to terms or durations not clearly defined or set.
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Dec 06, 2023
Is infinite always a large amount?
Yes, it implies something beyond any measurable size or quantity.
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Dec 06, 2023
Can infinite apply to tangible objects?
Rarely; it's mostly used for abstract concepts like time or space.
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Dec 06, 2023
Can something be both indefinite and infinite?
Conceptually, no. Indefinite implies potential limits; infinite does not.
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Dec 06, 2023
Is infinite related to the concept of eternity?
Yes, both imply something without beginning or end.
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Dec 06, 2023
Is infinite a common term in mathematics?
Yes, particularly in discussions of limits and unboundedness.
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Dec 06, 2023
Can indefinite refer to an unknown location?
Yes, if the location's specifics are unclear.
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Dec 06, 2023
Does infinite have a precise definition?
Yes, it specifically means without end or limits.
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Dec 06, 2023
Can indefinite imply a decision hasn't been made?
Yes, it can indicate pending or unresolved matters.
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Dec 06, 2023
Does infinite have practical applications?
Less so; it's more theoretical, especially in science and philosophy.
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Dec 06, 2023
Can something indefinite become definite?
Yes, when more details or limits are established.
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Dec 06, 2023
Does infinite always imply a positive concept?
Not necessarily; it's neutral and context-dependent.
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Dec 06, 2023
How is indefinite used in legal contexts?
It often refers to open-ended terms or durations in agreements.
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Dec 06, 2023
Can indefinite be quantified?
Not precisely, as it lacks specific boundaries or limits.
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Dec 06, 2023
Is there an opposite word for infinite?
Finite, meaning having clear limits or ends.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 06, 2023
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About Author
Written by
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed, an expert content creator with 6 years of experience, specializes in distilling complex topics into easily digestible comparisons, shining a light on the nuances that both inform and educate readers with clarity and accuracy.
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