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Definite vs Known - What's the difference?

definite | known |

As adjectives the difference between definite and known

is that definite is having distinct limits while known is identified as a specific type; renowned, famous.

As nouns the difference between definite and known

is that definite is (obsolete) anything that is defined or determined while known is in algebra, a variable or constant whose value is already determined.

As a verb known is

.

definite

English

Adjective

(en adjective)
  • Having distinct limits.
    • definite''' dimensions; a '''definite''' measure; a '''definite period or interval
  • * Whewell
    • Elements combine in definite proportions.
  • Free from any doubt.
    • definite knowledge
  • Determined; resolved.
    • (Shakespeare)
  • (linguistics) Designating an identified or immediately identifiable person or thing.
    • the definite article

    Antonyms

    * indefinite

    Related terms

    * definitely * definitive * unquestionable * decided * definite article

    Noun

    (en noun)
  • (obsolete) Anything that is defined or determined.
    • ----

    known

    English

    Adjective

  • identified as a specific type; renowned, famous.
  • * He was a known pickpocket.
  • ed, accepted, familiar.
  • * {{quote-magazine, year=2013, month=July-August, author= Stephen P. Lownie], [http://www.americanscientist.org/authors/detail/david-m-pelz David M. Pelz
    • , magazine=(American Scientist), title= Stents to Prevent Stroke , passage=As we age, the major arteries of our bodies frequently become thickened with plaque, a fatty material with an oatmeal-like consistency that builds up along the inner lining of blood vessels. The reason plaque forms isn’t entirely known , but it seems to be related to high levels of cholesterol inducing an inflammatory response, which can also attract and trap more cellular debris over time.}}

    Antonyms

    * unknown

    Verb

    (head)

    • External links

    * (know)

    Noun

    (en noun)
  • In algebra, a variable or constant whose value is already determined.
  • Any fact or situation which is known or familiar.
  • * 2012 , Thomas Dougherty, Antibiotic Discovery and Development (volume 1, page 39)
    • The biological dereplication tool may identify major knowns in a mixture, but it may miss novel minor components.

    Statistics

    * English irregular past participles