infinite
/ˈɪnfɪnət/ (bre, ipa) · /ˈɪnfɪnət/ (ame, ipa) · /ˈin-fə-nət/ (ame, mw) · /ˈɪn.fɪ.nət/ (bre, ipa) · /ˈɪn.fə.nət/ (ame, ipa)
infinite — adjective
- infinitepositive
- more infinitecomparative
- most infinitesuperlative
1. having no end or boundary in space, time, or number — so that nothing lies beyon
having no end or boundary in space, time, or number — so that nothing lies beyond or comes after it.
Kwame gazed across the desert at the seemingly infinite sands of the Sahara.
seemingly + infinite for near-limits
The stars are so numerous that the universe seems almost infinite in size.
almost + infinite + in [dimension]
Yan learned in math that a line has infinite length in both directions.
A programming error caused the app to get stuck in an infinite loop.
The ancient Greeks debated whether time stretches backward for an infinite length.
用法筆記
Often modified by 'almost,' 'nearly,' or 'virtually' when describing something extremely large without claiming literal boundlessness.
常見錯誤
2. so great in amount, degree, or capacity that it cannot be measured or fully used
so great in amount, degree, or capacity that it cannot be measured or fully used up.
Emre showed infinite patience when teaching his younger brother to read.
infinite + patience (abstract quality)
Adaeze felt infinite gratitude toward the hospital staff who saved her daughter.
infinite + gratitude
The artist poured infinite care into every single brushstroke of the painting.
There is an infinite variety of flowers blooming in the park this spring.
Dario's generosity seemed infinite — he gave most of his savings to charity.
- vast
more concrete; used for area, scope, or quantity
- immeasurable
formal; emphasises that something is too great to calculate
- inexhaustible
focuses on supply that never runs out
- countless
used when something is too numerous to count
- limited
restricted in amount or degree
- measurable
able to be quantified or assessed
用法筆記
Typically modifies abstract nouns (patience, gratitude, love, care, variety) rather than concrete physical objects. Common in appreciative or admiring contexts.
常見錯誤
infinite — noun
1. a state or being that is unbounded in space, time, or quantity — for example, th
a state or being that is unbounded in space, time, or quantity — for example, the universe as a whole, or God in certain belief systems.
Some mathematicians spend their careers studying the nature of the infinite.
the + infinite as abstract concept
The telescope showed Christopher a glimpse of the infinite stretching across the night sky.
the infinite as cosmic expanse
In religious traditions, the infinite is often used as a name for God.
Ramón found it hard to grasp the infinite when he first studied philosophy.
- infinity
the everyday noun form; interchangeable in many contexts but less formal
- the cosmos
specifically refers to the universe as an ordered whole
- eternity
refers to infinite time, not space or quantity
- the finite
the opposite concept; that which has limits
用法筆記
Almost always preceded by the definite article 'the.' More common in philosophical, mathematical, and theological writing than in everyday conversation.