indefinitely
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Adverb: 1. For an unlimited or unspecified amount of time: Without a fixed or known end point in time. 2. To an unlimited or unspecified degree or extent: Without a fixed or known limit in amount, scope, or degree.
Usage Examples
- For an indefinite time:
- The meeting was postponed indefinitely. (The meeting was delayed, and no new date was set or is known.)
- She decided to stay in the city indefinitely. (She decided to stay, without setting a specific date for leaving.)
- To an indefinite extent:
- The project's budget can be increased indefinitely. (The budget could be raised without a predefined upper limit, though this is often used hypothetically.)
- You can divide the line indefinitely. (You can continue the process of division without reaching a final, indivisible point.)
Advanced Usage
- "go on indefinitely": To continue for a very long time, seemingly without end.
- The negotiations could go on indefinitely if neither side compromises.
- "postponed/canceled/delayed indefinitely": A formal phrase indicating an action is suspended with no current plan or date for it to occur.
- The construction of the new bridge has been delayed indefinitely due to funding issues.
Variants and Related Words
- Indefinite (Adjective): Not clearly defined, precise, or limited.
- He was given an indefinite contract. (A contract without a specified end date.)
- Indefiniteness (Noun): The quality or state of being indefinite.
Synonyms
- Endlessly: Seemingly without end.
- Forever: For all future time; continually.
- Perpetually: In a way that never ends or changes.
Antonyms
- Definitely: In a definite manner; without doubt.
- Temporarily: For a limited period of time; not permanently.
- Finite: Having limits or bounds.
Related Phrases
- For the foreseeable future: For as long as can be reasonably predicted (often implies a long but not literally infinite period).
- The office will remain closed for the foreseeable future.
- Sine die (Latin, used formally): With no appointed date for resumption; indefinitely.
- The hearing was adjourned sine die.
Adverb
- to an indefinite extent; for an indefinite time
- this could go on indefinitely