How to spell definite
A Year 5 and 6 statutory spelling word, with the tricky part explained and a tip that makes it stick.
The answer
definite
D-E-F-I-N-I-T-E
The part to watch: fin in the middle, and it ends -ite. The underlined letters are the ones most people get wrong.
The tricky part
Definite ends -ite, but people hear "it" and write -ate. The vowels after f and n are both i (def-i-n-i-te). Definite is related to define: define, definite, definition.
Definite is one of the words on the Year 5 and 6 list with a smaller word behind it. Each of these words is built from, or related to, a smaller word you may already know. Find the smaller word and most of the spelling follows.
Common mistakes with definite
- Wrong: definateRight: definite
- Wrong: definitRight: definite
- Wrong: defeniteRight: definite
A way to remember it
Definite has "fin", as in finish, and ends -ite. There is no "ate" in it.
Definite in syllables
def · i · nite
Definite has 3 syllables. Say each one as you write it.
In a sentence
We need a definite answer by Friday.
Definite on the statutory list
Definite is on the Year 5 and 6 statutory word list in the national curriculum for England. Children are taught these words in Years 5 and 6, when they are 9 to 11.
Test yourself
A short spelling test that starts with definite, then nine more words from the Year 5 and 6 list, read aloud. It works in your browser.
More words with a smaller word behind it
These words from the Year 5 and 6 list share the same pattern as definite.
More words
Questions parents ask
How do you spell definitely?
Definitely is definite + ly. It keeps the e of definite: d-e-f-i-n-i-t-e-l-y.
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