What does finite mean?
Definitions for finite
ˈfaɪ naɪtfi·nite
This dictionary definitions page includes all the possible meanings, example usage and translations of the word finite.
Princeton's WordNet
finiteadjective
bounded or limited in magnitude or spatial or temporal extent
finiteadjective
of verbs; relating to forms of the verb that are limited in time by a tense and (usually) show agreement with number and person
Wiktionary
finiteadjective
Limited, constrained by bounds, impermanent
Samuel Johnson's Dictionary
FINITEadjective
Limited; bounded; terminated.
Etymology: finitus, Latin.
Servius conceives no more thereby than a finite number for indefinite. Thomas Browne, Vulgar Errours, b. iv. c. 12.
Finite of any magnitude holds not any proportion to infinite. John Locke.
That supposed infinite duration will, by the very supposition, be limited at two extremes, though never so remote asunder, and consequently must needs be finite. Richard Bentley, Serm.
ChatGPT
finite
Finite refers to something that is limited or restricted in size, quantity, or extent; contrary to infinite, which means limitless or endless. Finite could describe a state, existence, or resource that is bounded, countable, or exhaustible, whether in terms of quantity, time, space, or degree.
Webster Dictionary
Finiteadjective
having a limit; limited in quantity, degree, or capacity; bounded; -- opposed to infinite; as, finite number; finite existence; a finite being; a finite mind; finite duration
Etymology: [L. finitus, p. p. of finire. See Finish, and cf. Fine, a.]
Chambers 20th Century Dictionary
Finite
fī′nīt, adj. having an end or limit: subject to limitations or conditions, as time, space—opp. to Infinite (q.v.).—adj. Fī′nīteless, without end or limit.—adv. Fī′nītely.—ns. Fī′nīteness, Fin′itūde. [L. finītus, pa.p. of finīre.]
Usage in printed sourcesFrom:
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Numerology
Chaldean Numerology
The numerical value of finite in Chaldean Numerology is: 6
Pythagorean Numerology
The numerical value of finite in Pythagorean Numerology is: 9
Examples of finite in a Sentence
We are draining a finite supply of water, it was ugly last year, and it's going to get uglier this year California is increasing distribution from a separate state-operated system of reservoirs and canals with fewer mandatory obligations. The State Water Project announced last month that The State Water Project could provide local agencies and farmers 15 percent of the water they requested, up from 5 percent last year. Some communities and endangered wildlife that rely on federal water will receive some water but still suffer cuts. Urban areas, including the San Francisco Bay Area and Sacramento area, will receive a quarter of typical water allotments but could receive more if public health is threatened. The water in the snowpack, California's primary water source, is at a fifth of its normal level, according to state officials. Federal officials said they don't expect a snow survey next week to show improved conditions. With enough precipitation, The State Water Project can provide more water later in the year. Paul Wegner, president of the California Farm Bureau Federation, said the federal government's announcement is another sign California needs to speed up construction of water storage projects and to reform laws requiring the government to prioritize water to preserve the environment and fish species.
They've really chosen to pull out some of the tools that we ordinarily would have as emergency protective measures in our toolbox, it's a really uncomfortable position for states to be in to have to weigh' Gosh, you know, with our budgets, where do we spend the finite amount of state dollars that we have ?'.
Interestingly, according to modern astronomers, space is finite. This is a very comforting thought - particularly for people who cannot remember where they left things.
In order to be an effective parent, to be an effective worker, you have to take care of yourself, we, as humans, have a finite amount of resources, like a car that runs on gas, and you have to fill the tank up or you're going to run out. People are the same way.
There is a finite pot of money. We don't have unlimited cash to keep funding the things that are aspirational and maybe things that, on values that we share, we have to live within our means. That's what the taxpayers expect of us, and that's what we're going to do.
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References
Translations for finite
From our Multilingual Translation Dictionary
- محدودArabic
- кра́ен, ограни́ченBulgarian
- finitCatalan, Valencian
- konečnýCzech
- endlichGerman
- πεπερασμένοGreek
- limitado, finitoSpanish
- lõplikEstonian
- rajallinen, finiittinen, päättyvä, äärellinenFinnish
- finiFrench
- végesHungarian
- finitoItalian
- סופיHebrew
- 有限, 限られたJapanese
- eindigDutch
- endelig, avsluttetNorwegian
- skończony, ograniczonyPolish
- finitoPortuguese
- limitat, care are limită, finitRomanian
- ограни́ченный, коне́чныйRussian
- ograničen, konačan, коначан, ограниченSerbo-Croatian
- begränsad, ändligSwedish
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"finite." Definitions.net. STANDS4 LLC, 2025. Web. 16 Feb. 2025. <https://www.definitions.net/definition/finite>.
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