Part 2863

<hw>Def"i*nite*ly</hw>, <tt>adv.</tt> <def>In a definite manner; with precision; precisely; determinately.</def>

<h1>Definiteness</h1> <Xpage=382>

<hw>Def"i*nite*ness</hw>, <tt>n.</tt> <def>The state of being definite; determinateness; precision; certainty.</def>

<h1>Definition</h1> <Xpage=382>

<hw>Def`i*ni"tion</hw> <tt>(?)</tt>, <tt>n.</tt> <ety>[L. <ets>definitio</ets>: cf. F. <ets>d\'82finition</ets>.]</ety>

<p><b>1.</b> <def>The act of defining; determination of the limits; <as>as, the telescope accurate in <ex>definition</ex></as>.</def>

<p><b>2.</b> <def>Act of ascertaining and explaining the signification; a description of a thing by its properties; an explanation of the meaning of a word or term; <as>as, the <ex>definition</ex> of "circle;" the <ex>definition</ex> of "wit;" an exact <ex>definition</ex>; a loose <ex>definition</ex>.</as></def>

<blockquote><b>Definition</b> being nothing but making another understand by words what the term defined stands for. <i>Locke.</i></blockquote>

<p><b>3.</b> <def>Description; sort.</def> <mark>[R.]</mark> "A new creature of another <i>definition</i>."

<i>Jer. Taylor.</i>

<p><b>4.</b> <fld>(Logic)</fld> <def>An exact enunciation of the constituents which make up the logical essence.</def>

<p><b>5.</b> <fld>(Opt.)</fld> <def>Distinctness or clearness, as of an image formed by an optical instrument; precision in detail.</def>

<syn>Syn. -- <er>Definition</er>, <er>Explanation</er>, <er>Description</er>.</syn> <usage> A <i>definition</i> is designed to settle a thing in its compass and extent; an <i>explanation</i> is intended to remove some obscurity or misunderstanding, and is therefore more extended and minute; a <i>description</i> enters into striking particulars with a view to interest or impress by graphic effect. It is not therefore true, though often said, that <i>description</i> is only an extended <i>definition</i>. "Logicians distinguish <i>definitions</i> into <i>essential</i> and <i>accidental</i>. An <i>essential definition</i> states what are regarded as the constituent parts of the essence of that which is to be defined; and an <i>accidental definition</i> lays down what are regarded as circumstances belonging to it, viz., properties or accidents, such as causes, effects, etc."</usage>

<i>Whately.</i>

<h1>Definitional</h1> <Xpage=382>

<hw>Def`i*ni"tion*al</hw> <tt>(?)</tt>, <tt>a.</tt> <def>Relating to definition; of the nature of a definition; employed in defining.</def>

<h1>Definitive</h1> <Xpage=382>

<hw>De*fin"i*tive</hw> <tt>(?)</tt>, <tt>a.</tt> <ety>[L. <ets>definitivus</ets>: cf. F. <ets>d\'82finitif</ets>.]</ety>

<p><b>1.</b> <def>Determinate; positive; final; conclusive; unconditional; express.</def>

<blockquote>A strict and <b>definitive</b> truth. <i>Sir T. Browne.</i></blockquote>

<blockquote>Some <b>definitive</b> . . . scheme of reconciliation. <i>Prescott.</i></blockquote>

<p><b>2.</b> <def>Limiting; determining; <as>as, a <ex>definitive</ex> word</as>.</def>

<p><b>3.</b> <def>Determined; resolved.</def> <mark>[Obs.]</mark>

<i>Shak.</i>

<h1>Definitive</h1> <Xpage=382>

<hw>De*fin"i*tive</hw>, <tt>n.</tt> <fld>(Gram.)</fld> <def>A word used to define or limit the extent of the signification of a common noun, such as the definite article, and some pronouns.</def>

<note>&hand; <i>Definitives</i> . . . are commonly called by grammarians <i>articles</i>. . . . They are of two kinds, either those properly and strictly so called, or else pronominal articles, such as <i>this</i>, <i>that</i>, <i>any</i>, <i>other</i>, <i>some</i>, <i>all</i>, <i>no</i>, <i>none</i>, etc.</note>

<i>Harris (Hermes).</i>