Lasting for an unknown or unstated length of time; not clearly defined or determined. Something that lacks precise limits or specifications.
From Latin 'indefinitus', formed by the prefix 'in-' (not) plus 'definitus' (defined, limited). Entered English in the 15th century, initially used in philosophical and mathematical contexts before broadening to general usage.
In grammar, indefinite articles like 'a' and 'an' are called indefinite because they don't specify which particular item is being discussed, unlike 'the' which points to something specific. The word beautifully captures the human discomfort with uncertainty - we often prefer bad news to indefinite waiting.
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