English pronunciation · Words Starting with D

Definite Pronunciation

Definite is pronounced DE-fuh-nuht, IPA /ˈdɛfənət/.

DE-fuh-nuht

US /ˈdɛfənət/  ·  UK /ˈdɛfɪnət/

Syllables: DE · fuh · nuht (3 syllables, stress on syllable 1)

adjective: Clearly decided or clearly defined, with no room for doubt.

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Definite in a Sentence

  • We need a definite answer by Friday.
  • There has been a definite improvement.
  • The plan has no definite start date yet.

Common Mispronunciations of Definite

Not DE-fuh-nyt

The last syllable is a weak nuht, rhyming with the end of infinite. A long eye sound there belongs to the verb define.

Not duh-FI-nuht

The beat stays at the front. Definition moves it to the third part, which is where the confusion comes from.

Tip: Definitely follows the same shape with one more quiet syllable, and neither word has an a in it.

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