French word

indéfiniment

Pronunciation

IPA/ɛ̃definimɑ̃/

Meaning

  • adverbindefinitely

Example

La réunion est reportée indéfiniment.

The meeting has been postponed indefinitely.

Illustration for indéfiniment (indefinitely)

More examples

Le magasin est fermé indéfiniment.

The store is closed indefinitely.

Core concept

An open-ended duration extends forward while its final boundary remains unknown.

Common phrases

  • reporter indéfiniment

    postpone indefinitely

  • suspendre indéfiniment

    suspend indefinitely

  • fermer indéfiniment

    close indefinitely

Similar words

définitivement: In a permanent way that cannot later be reversed.
temporairement: For a temporary period that is expected to end.

Definition in French

Sans limite dans le temps, de façon à se prolonger pour une durée non fixée.

Word origin

Indéfini developed from Latin indefinitus through French, and indéfiniment adds -ment to express the manner or duration of being indefinite.

Usage tips

  • English indefinitely can suggest permanence, but French indéfiniment often leaves the eventual end completely open without asserting that it lasts forever.

Opposites

Related words

  • indéfiniindefiniteadjective

Word lists with this word