Legal Writing

A Lesson in Spelling ?Definite?

By Maeve Maddox

Next to the possessive adjective its, the word definite is possibly the most misspelled word in English. If I had a nickel for every time I’ve circled the misspelling “definate” in a student’s paper, I’d have enough money to buy a house.

Perhaps one way to impress the correct spelling of definite on the mind would be to consider the family of words to which it belongs.

finite: having bounds, ends, or limits

infinite: having no limit or end

infinity: the quality or attribute of being infinite or having no limit

define: to settle the limits of

And, of course, there’s

definite: Having fixed or exact limits

Look at all the “i” words in these definitions; Something that is infinite has no limits. Something that is finite has limits. To define is to limit. Something that is definite is limited.

There! Go forth and spell definite with two is.

Full post as published by Daily Writing Tips on May 19, 2010 (boomark / email).