definite phrase

[/ˈdefɪnət freɪz/]
nounpl: definite phrases
sintagma definido
1. A noun phrase that refers to a specific, identifiable person, thing, or group, typically introduced by a definite article (the in English) or possessive determiner
In the sentence 'The cat sat on the mat,' the definite phrase 'the cat' refers to a specific cat
Na sentença 'O gato sentou-se no tapete', o sintagma definido 'o gato' refere-se a um gato específico
2. In linguistics and grammar, a noun phrase with a determiner that specifies a particular referent known to both speaker and listener
The definite phrase 'my favorite book' clearly identifies which book is being discussed
O sintagma definido 'meu livro favorito' identifica claramente qual livro está sendo discutido
This is primarily academic and linguistic terminology used in educational contexts. In Brazil, it is commonly taught in Portuguese language and grammar courses at secondary and tertiary levels. The term is essential for understanding formal grammar instruction and linguistic analysis in both English and Portuguese-speaking countries.
Synonyms / Sinônimos
definite noun phrasespecified phraseparticular phrase
Antonyms / Antônimos
indefinite phraseindefinite noun phraseunspecified phrase

Regional Variations

General Brazilian Portuguese
sintagma definido
Standard term used in linguistics and grammar instruction
Portugal
sintagma definido
Same usage as Brazilian Portuguese; standard linguistic terminology
USA English
definite phrase
Commonly used in academic and linguistic contexts, particularly in university-level grammar and linguistics courses

Related Words

definite articlenoun phrasedeterminerreferentanaphorademonstrative adjective

Related Idioms & Phrases

the definite article precedes a definite phrase
a definite phrase specifies its referent
Look up more words on Fala2Me
The free English-Portuguese dictionary with real Brazilian accents, NYC slang, conjugator and more
Open Fala2Me →