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Indefinite vs Nonfinite - What's the difference?

indefinite | nonfinite |

As adjectives the difference between indefinite and nonfinite

is that indefinite is without limit; forever, or until further notice; not definite while nonfinite is infinite.

indefinite

English

Adjective

(en adjective)
  • Without limit; forever, or until further notice; not definite.
  • Vague or unclear.
  • Undecided or uncertain.
  • (mathematics) An integral without specified limits.

    • Derived terms

    * indefinitely * indefinite article * indefiniteness

    Related terms

    * indeterminate ----

    nonfinite

    English

    Adjective

    (-)
  • Infinite.
  • (label) Not finite.
  • *
    • Although a finite I ( = INFL = INFLECTION) constituent is (overtly or covertly) inflected for TENSE or AGREEMENT properties, it should be obvious that a nonfinite' I in English lacks these properties. Hence, the infinitival particle ''to'' which occurs in a '''nonfinite''' I is by its very nature ''tenseless'' and ''agreementless'' (i.e. it carries no Tense or Agreement properties, and is thus an entirely uninflected form). The difference between a ''finite'' and a ''nonfinite'' Clause can thus be seen to lie in the nature of I: a finite Clause is one which contains a finite I (carrying Tense and Agreement properties); a '''nonfinite''' Clause is one which contains a ' nonfinite I which is tenseless and agreementless.