indéfini
The English word indefinite is translated into French as indéfini.
The adjective indéfini is used to describe something that is without limit, forever or not definite. In the specific context of employment, it is used in the phrase contrat à durée indéterminée (indefinite-term contract), which is frequently abbreviated to the acronym CDI.
Meaning: without limit, forever, or until further notice, not definite (adj)
What does it mean word for word?
The word is formed from the prefix in- (meaning not) and défini (meaning defined or limited).
How does it change in a sentence?
As an adjective, indéfini must agree in gender and number with the noun it modifies. Use the feminine form indéfinie for feminine singular nouns, the masculine plural form indéfinis for masculine plural nouns and the feminine plural form indéfinies for feminine plural nouns.
Did you know?
- In France, the acronym CDI for an 'indefinite-term contract' is so central to adult life that it is often used as a status symbol or a requirement for renting an apartment.
- If you are looking for a 'permanent' job status in French, you are actually looking for something that is 'undetermined' in its end date.
- The word défini shares its roots with the English 'define', both originating from the Latin 'definire' which means 'to set a boundary'.
Examples in context
- L'espéranto n'a qu'un article défini et n'a pas d'article indéfini.In Esperanto there is no indefinite and only one definite article.This sentence is useful for illustrating the use of the word indéfini in the context of grammar and articles.Tatoeba #1503957 by martin9, translation #2758090 by shekitten
- Une durée indéfinieAn indefinite period
- Une réponse indéfinieAn indefinite answer
- Des conséquences indéfiniesIndefinite consequences
- Une somme non spécifiéeAn unspecified amount
- Un lieu non spécifiéAn unspecified location
- Un brouillard diffusA diffuse fog
- Une lumière diffuséeA diffused light
- Un enthousiasme sans limitesBoundless enthusiasm
- Des possibilités sans limitesLimitless possibilities
- La réponse est je ne sais pas tropThe answer is I don't really know
- Je ne sais pas trop où allerI don't really know where to go
- Il a reçu un délai indéfini.He received an indefinite delay.
Example conversation
Chloé and Hugo are discussing a colleague's absence from work.
- ChloéEst-ce que Marc revient demain ?Is Marc coming back tomorrow?
- HugoNon, son congé est indéfini.No, his leave is indefinite.
- ChloéC'est vraiment surprenant.That is really surprising.
- HugoOui, on ne sait pas quand il reviendra.Yes, we don't know when he will return.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries indéfini, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
