[Elamur Dictionary](https://md.dictionary.elamur.ai/free/en/) · [this page in HTML](https://dictionary.elamur.ai/free/en/english/indefinitely/)

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# indefinitely

adverb (indefinitely)

«indefinitely» in the English dictionary: everyday — its meanings, how the lessons use it, and examples, each with its tree on Mova.

## Everyday

1. Indefinitely means for a time that has no fixed end; we do not know when it will stop. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/I/indefinitely/#m1)
2. (rare) Indefinitely can mean in an unclear or uncertain way. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/I/indefinitely/#m2)

### In the lessons

In news, school letters and formal notices: «The pool is closed indefinitely», «postponed indefinitely». In maths, a pattern can go on indefinitely, without stopping. It tells the reader there is no planned end. Phrases: closed indefinitely, postponed indefinitely, continue indefinitely.

### Examples

- The swimming pool is closed indefinitely for repairs. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/I/indefinitely/#x1)
- The match was postponed indefinitely because of the storm. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/I/indefinitely/#x2)
- You can't stay at your friend's house indefinitely. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/I/indefinitely/#x3)
- The pattern 2, 4, 6, 8… goes on indefinitely. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/I/indefinitely/#x4)
- The road will be shut indefinitely. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/I/indefinitely/#x5)
- The robot can work indefinitely if it has power. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/I/indefinitely/#x6)
- The crocodile passes, but soon the boys appear again, for the procession must continue indefinitely until one of the parties stops or changes its pace. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/I/indefinitely/#x7)

### Note

Spelling: in-DEF-in-ite-ly — «-ite», not «-ate». Not the same as «infinitely» (without any limit at all) — «indefinitely» just means no end has been set. Opposite: for a fixed time, temporarily (for a short time).

## On Mova

- [Trees and pragmatics of «indefinitely» in the school dictionary](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/I/indefinitely/): every meaning and example parsed by Mova, with its dependency tree and frames.
- [«indefinitely» in the school dictionary](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/dictionaries/school/w/indefinitely.html) on Mova free.