Infinite vs. Infinity — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Updated on August 29, 2023
Infinite describes something without limits or bounds, while infinity refers to an unbounded quantity or state.
Difference Between Infinite and Infinity
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Infinite is an adjective that describes anything without a clear endpoint or boundary. On the other hand, infinity serves as a noun, representing the concept or state of endlessness itself. For example, an "infinite expanse" refers to a space that appears endless, while "infinity" denotes the limitless nature of that space.
While one might use infinite to describe the vastness of the universe, suggesting it's limitless, the term "infinity" embodies the very notion of that endlessness. In mathematical contexts, "infinite" is a descriptor for sets or sequences that never end, while "infinity" acts as the conceptual representation of that never-ending property.
Artists and poets often allude to the "infinite" to evoke a sense of wonder, boundlessness, or the ungraspable. Infinity, in contrast, might be referred to as a tangible concept or state – the end point that can never be reached.
Infinite can describe various aspects in different contexts, such as "infinite patience," "infinite possibilities," or "infinite knowledge." Infinity, conversely, generally pertains to the idea of limitless quantity, extent, or duration, often employed in philosophical or mathematical discussions.
Comparison Chart
Part of Speech
Adjective
Noun
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Definition
Describing something without limits or end
An unbounded quantity or state
Usage in Math
Describes sets or sequences without end
Represents an unattainable or limitless value
Philosophical Context
Refers to something boundless in a descriptive manner
The actual concept or notion of boundlessness
Common Expressions
Infinite possibilities, infinite wisdom
To infinity and beyond, the edge of infinity
Compare with Definitions
Infinite
Having no boundaries or limits.
The universe is vast and seemingly infinite.
Infinity
A distance setting, as on a camera, beyond which the entire field is in focus.
Infinite
Unending in time.
His love for her felt infinite.
Infinity
That part of a line, or of a plane, or of space, which is infinitely distant. In modern geometry, parallel lines or planes are sometimes treated as lines or planes meeting at infinity.
Infinite
Limitless or endless in space, extent, or size; impossible to measure or calculate
The infinite number of stars in the universe
The infinite mercy of God
Infinity
An idealised point which is said to be approached by sequences of values whose magnitudes increase without bound.
Infinite
Exceedingly great in number or degree.
The possibilities are infinite.
Infinity
A range in relation to an optical system, such as a camera lens, representing distances great enough that light rays reflected from objects within the range may be regarded as parallel.
Infinite
Total and all-embracing;
God's infinite wisdom
Infinity
(uncountable) A number which is very large compared to some characteristic number. For example, in optics, an object which is much further away than the focal length of a lens is said to be "at infinity", as the distance of the image from the lens varies very little as the distance increases further.
Infinite
Something that is infinite in nature.
Infinity
Infinity is that which is boundless or endless, or something that is larger than any real or natural number. It is often denoted by the infinity symbol shown here.
Infinite
(with plural noun) Infinitely many.
Infinity
(Mathematics) The limit that a function is said to approach at x = a when (x) is larger than any preassigned number for all x sufficiently near a.
Infinite
Having infinitely many elements.
Infinity
A number that has an infinite numerical value that cannot be counted.
Infinite
The Infinite Being; God; the Almighty.
Infinity
Time without end
Infinite
Another term for non-finite
Infinity
The symbol ∞. Category:en:Infinity
Infinite
A space or quantity that is infinite
Beyond the infinite, the space traveller is transformed
Infinity
The state or quality of being infinite
The infinity of space
Infinite
Having no boundaries or limits; impossible to measure or calculate.
Infinity
An indefinitely large number or amount.
Infinite
Immeasurably great or large; boundless
Infinite patience.
A discovery of infinite importance.
Infinity
Unlimited extent of time, space, or quantity; eternity; boundlessness; immensity.
There can not be more infinities than one; for one of them would limit the other.
Infinite
Existing beyond or being greater than any arbitrarily large value.
Infinity
A number greater than any assignable quantity or countable number (symbol ∞)
The transmission approaches 100% as the frequency tends to infinity
Infinite
Unlimited in spatial extent
A line of infinite length.
Infinity
The quality or condition of being infinite.
Infinite
Of or relating to a set capable of being put into one-to-one correspondence with a proper subset of itself.
Infinity
Unbounded space, time, or quantity.
Infinite
Something infinite.
Infinity
(uncountable) endlessness, unlimitedness, absence of a beginning, end or limits to size.
Infinite
Indefinably large, countlessly great; immense.
Infinity
Unlimited capacity, energy, excellence, or knowledge; as, the infinity of God and his perfections.
Infinite
Boundless, endless, without end or limits; innumerable.
Infinity
Endless or indefinite number; great multitude; as an infinity of beauties.
Infinite
(mathematics) Greater than any positive quantity or magnitude; limitless.
Infinity
A quantity greater than any assignable quantity of the same kind.
Infinite
(grammar) Not limited by person or number.
Infinite
(music) Capable of endless repetition; said of certain forms of the canon, also called perpetual fugues, constructed so that their ends lead to their beginnings.
Infinite
Infinitely many.
Infinite
(video games) A combo that can be used repeatedly without interruption.
Infinite
Unlimited or boundless, in time or space; as, infinite duration or distance.
Whatever is finite, as finite, will admit of no comparative relation with infinity; for whatever is less than infinite is still infinitely distant from infinity; and lower than infinite distance the lowest or least can not sink.
Infinite
Without limit in power, capacity, knowledge, or excellence; boundless; immeasurably or inconceivably great; perfect; as, the infinite wisdom and goodness of God; - opposed to finite.
Great is our Lord, and of great power; his understanding is infinite.
O God, how infinite thou art!
Infinite
Indefinitely large or extensive; great; vast; immense; gigantic; prodigious.
Infinite riches in a little room.
Which infinite calamity shall causeTo human life.
Infinite
Greater than any assignable quantity of the same kind; - said of certain quantities.
Infinite
Capable of endless repetition; - said of certain forms of the canon, called also perpetual fugues, so constructed that their ends lead to their beginnings, and the performance may be incessantly repeated.
Infinite
That which is infinite; boundless space or duration; infinity; boundlessness.
Not till the weight is heaved from off the air, and the thunders roll down the horizon, will the serene light of God flow upon us, and the blue infinite embrace us again.
Infinite
An infinite quantity or magnitude.
Infinite
An infinity; an incalculable or very great number.
Glittering chains, embroidered richly o'erWith infinite of pearls and finest gold.
Infinite
Having no limits or boundaries in time or space or extent or magnitude;
The infinite ingenuity of man
Infinite wealth
Infinite
Of verbs; having neither person nor number nor mood (as a participle or gerund or infinitive);
Infinite verb form
Infinite
Too numerous to be counted;
Incalculable riches
Countless hours
An infinite number of reasons
Innumerable difficulties
The multitudinous seas
Myriad stars
Untold thousands
Infinite
Immeasurably small; infinitesimal.
There's an infinite chance of that occurring.
Infinite
Limitless in potential or extent.
The human mind has infinite potential.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
