finite
4 synonyms and 7 antonyms for finite, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Adj — Having a limit or end; not infinite.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Antonyms
How to use finite
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From Latin finitus, "limited" or "bounded," the past participle of finire, "to finish" or "set a limit."
Full origin of finite →Frequently asked questions
What does “finite” mean?
The word “finite” means having a limit or end; not infinite. In plain terms, having a definite limit, as opposed to going on forever.
How do you pronounce “finite”?
“Finite” is pronounced FEYE-nyt (/ˈfaɪ.naɪt/ in IPA).
How do you use “finite” in a sentence?
Here is “finite” used in a sentence: “Our natural resources are finite, so we need to use them wisely.”
What is the opposite of “finite”?
The opposite of “finite” — its antonyms — are infinite, nonfinite, infinitival, unlimited and endless.
What part of speech is “finite”?
“Finite” is an adjective.
Where does the word “finite” come from?
The word “finite” comes from Latin. From Latin finitus, "limited" or "bounded," the past participle of finire, "to finish" or "set a limit.".
Is “finite” a common word?
“Finite” is an uncommon word in modern English.
What is the difference between finite and infinite?
Finite describes something that has a definite limit or end, while infinite describes something without any limit or end. A finite set of numbers can be counted completely, whereas an infinite set continues without stopping.
What is a finite verb in grammar?
In grammar, a finite verb is a verb form that shows tense, person, and number and can stand as the main verb of a clause, unlike infinitives or participles. This grammatical sense is related to the core idea of finite meaning limited or bounded, since a finite verb is tied to a specific subject and time.
Can finite be used to describe resources or time?
Yes, finite is commonly used to describe things like resources, time, energy, or money that are limited in supply and will eventually run out. For example, saying 'we have finite resources' emphasizes that the supply is not endless and must be managed carefully.