WordGarden.iofinite
B2Pronunciation
UK
- /fˈaɪnaɪt/
US
- /ˈfaɪˌnaɪt/
Meanings
Adjective
having limits in amount, size, extent, or duration
having a limited number of elements, values, or steps in mathematics
of a verb form, marked for tense or agreement and usable as the main verb of a clause
Beyond the definition
Imagine a jar of marbles on a table. You may not know the number right away, but you could count them, and the counting would end. That is what "finite" is about. It describes something that has limits, an ending point, or a countable amount. It is often used in math and science for things that come to a specific total. But it also appears in everyday life when people talk about resources, time, or money. A finite supply of oil, for example, means there is only so much of it, and one day it will run out.
Think of a chocolate bar. You might wish it lasted forever, but it does not. It is finite, so at some point you will finish it. The word comes from the Latin finis, which means "end" or "limit."
"Finite" describes something that is not infinite—meaning it has a definite limit, boundary, or end. It's a concept deeply rooted in mathematics and science, but its usage extends far beyond those fields.
In mathematics, a finite set is one with a limited number of elements that can be counted to a specific total. For example, the set {1, 2, 3, 4, 5} is finite because it contains exactly five numbers. Contrast this with the infinite set of all whole numbers. In computer science, a "finite-state machine" is a model of computation that can only be in one of a limited number of states at any given time.
But "finite" isn't just about numbers and calculations; it's also used to describe real things that have a limit. We talk about finite resources like oil, fresh water, or time, meaning there is only a certain amount available. A finite lifespan refers to a life with a clear beginning and end. Similarly, a finite budget means you only have a specific amount of money to spend before it is gone.
Philosophically, the idea of finiteness touches on our understanding of existence itself. Recognizing that time, space, and even our own lives are finite can be both humbling and motivating. Whether discussing mathematical sets, natural resources, or the human condition, "finite" reminds us that everything has its limits—a beginning, an end, and boundaries in between.
Examples
- 1
Project budget
We have a finite amount of money for this project.
- 2
Venue capacity
The hall can hold only a finite number of people.
- Patternfinite number of + plural noun
limited number of
- 3
Natural resources
The Earth's natural resources are finite, so we cannot keep wasting them.
- 4
Personal patience
Her patience was finite, and by the end of the meeting she had had enough.
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Mathematics
In math, a set can be finite or infinite.
See also
Forms and spellings
1 form open this card.
Main spelling
- finiteadjective