infinite · finite

infinite /ˈɪnfɪnɪt/ vs finite /ˈfaɪnaɪt/ — adding the prefix “in-” doesn’t just change the meaning, it changes the stressed vowel from the diphthong /aɪ/ to the short /ɪ/.

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⠿ reorder

An infinity symbol representing something without end

adjective — endless, having no limit — 'infinite space' · 'infinite patience' · 3 syllables: IN-fi-nit

mouth shape

short /ɪ/ in the stressed first syllable — 'IN-fi-nit' — like 'inn', 'bin', 'win' — NOT like 'eye'

infinite

/ˈɪn.fɪ.nɪt/

vowel length

short /ɪ/

⠿ reorder

A bar chart with a clear end point, representing something finite

adjective — having an end or limit — 'finite resources' · 'finite amount' · 2 syllables: FY-nite

mouth shape

diphthong /aɪ/ in the stressed first syllable — 'FY-nite' — like 'fine', 'mine', 'night' — NOT like 'fin'

finite

/ˈfaɪ.naɪt/

vowel length

diphthong /aɪ/

Stress and syllable spotlight

infinite — 3 syllables

IN·fi·nit

/ˈɪn.fɪ.nɪt/

short /ɪ/ in the stressed syllable

finite — 2 syllables

FY·nite

/ˈfaɪ.naɪt/

diphthong /aɪ/ in the stressed syllable

Key difference

The prefix in- in infinite sounds like the word “inn” — short /ɪ/. Many learners mistakenly say “EYE-nfinite”. The key is: in- = /ɪn/ (short), fi- = /fɪ/ (short), -nit = /nɪt/ (short). Meanwhile finite starts with the diphthong /aɪ/— like “fine”.

Example sentences

infinite:“The universe seems infinite in size.”

infinite:“She has infinite patience with children.”

finite:“Our time on earth is finite.”

finite:“We have a finite budget for this project.”

Hear it in a sentence

“The universe may be infinite, but our patience is not.”

“All stars have a finite lifespan, measured in billions of years.”

Hear it in the wild

Real speech from native speakers — the most reliable way to check a pronunciation, since automated audio can vary by device and browser.

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