finitude
/ˈfɪnɪˌtjuːd/
noun
Origin
Latin
finitus — finished, bounded
Overview
Meaning Now
- The state or quality of being finite; having bounds or limits.
- The condition of being subject to limitations, especially in existence or scope.
Literal older meaning
the quality of being finished or limited
Language path
Latin → French → English
Earliest form
finitude
Earliest period
17th century
Journey
The term emerged in English during the 17th century, largely within philosophical and theological discussions regarding the contrast between the finite nature of human existence and the infinite nature of the divine.
Evolution
- Latin
finitus
“bounded, limited”
Past participle of finire
- Late Latin
finitudo
“the state of being limited”
Abstract noun formation
- French
finitude
“finiteness”
Borrowing from Late Latin
- English
finitude
“state of being finite”
Adopted into philosophical discourse
Connections
Word parts
finit-
root
end, boundary
-ude
suffix
denoting state or quality
Related across languages
French
finiteness
Italian
finitudine
finiteness
Explore next
Related to finitude
External references use DefinedTerm semantics.