finite

Finite is part of the Academic Word List. It is important for students in college and university.

Pronunciation

• IPA: ˈfaɪnaɪt
•  Audio (US)^{help, file}

Adjective

Positive finite

Comparative more finite

Superlative most finite

1. If something is finite, it has a limit. It doesn't keep going forever.

   This problem has a finite number of correct answers.

   There is a finite amount of energy in the universe.

2. (grammar) A finite clause is one that has a verb in present or past tense or is imperative or subjunctive.

   Main clauses are always finite, but subordinate clauses can be finite or non-finite.

   In the sentence "I want to go to the store", "I want" is a finite verb clause but "to go to the store" is not, because it doesn't say who is doing it: it is not limited to one subject.

   In the sentence "I took the book that was on the table", "I took the book" is a finite verb clause and "that was on the table" is also a finite verb clause because it is limited to the subject "that".

Antonyms

• infinite
• non-finite