infinity
UK[ɪnˈfɪnəti]US[ɪnˈfɪnəti]
n
The state or quality of having no end or limit.
n
A very great number or amount that is impossible to count.
n
(Mathematics) A quantity greater than any assignable number or countable number (symbol ∞).
Morpheme Breakdown
in
fin
ity
in
not
fin
end, limit
ity
state or quality
Etymology
The word "infinity" traces its lineage directly to Latin. It originates from the Latin infinitas, which is a compound of the negative prefix in- ("not") and the noun finitas ("a being bounded," from finis, meaning "end" or "limit"). The core concept is the negation of finitude—the state of having no boundary, terminus, or measurable end. This logical construction passed through Anglo-Norman and Middle French (infinité) before entering Middle English, retaining its essential meaning of limitless extent in time, space, or quantity. The mathematical symbol ∞ and its abstract conceptualization are direct descendants of this etymological "story" of boundlessness.
Analysis
Structure: in (not) + fin (end, limit) + ity (state or quality)
- in: Latin prefix, meaning "not" or "without".
- fin: Latin root, from finis, meaning "end", "limit", or "boundary".
- ity: Latin suffix, from -itas, used to form nouns indicating a state or condition.
Examples
The universe may stretch into infinity.
She gazed at the night sky, feeling a sense of infinity.
In calculus, some functions approach infinity as the variable increases.