infinite

Meanings

1. 1adjectivenot comparable

   Having no end or limit in size, space or time.

   Grammar: Strictly absolute, so more infinite is avoided in careful writing.

   Patterns

   • infinite in something

   Some people believe the universe is infinite.

   A circle has an infinite number of points.

   The mathematician explained infinite sets.

2. 2adjectivebefore a nouninformal

   Extremely great or numerous, as if without limit.

   Grammar: Used loosely for emphasis: infinite patience.

   Patterns

   • infinite patience
   • infinite possibilities

   The teacher showed infinite patience with the nervous students.

   There are infinite ways to cook an egg.

   The garden offered infinite variety.

Common combinations

infinite possibilities

The blank page offers infinite possibilities.

infinite patience

Caring for a toddler takes infinite patience.

infinite loop

A bug put the program into an infinite loop.

infinite space

Philosophers wondered whether space was infinite.

infinite variety

Snowflakes come in infinite variety.

Synonyms and how they differ

endless

Endless is more everyday and can describe annoying things, while infinite sounds more precise and abstract.

boundless

Boundless emphasizes lack of limits in energy or enthusiasm.

limitless

Limitless is almost identical but more common for abilities and potential.

countless

Countless means too many to count but need not be unlimited.

Opposites

Word family

infinitely adverb

without limit, or extremely

infinity noun

the state of having no end

infiniteness noun

the quality of being infinite

infinitesimal adjective

extremely small

Commonly confused: infinite or infinitive?

Practice

Make it your own

Write a sentence using “infinite”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.

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