indef.
Writing & Everyday abbreviation · Grammar and Dictionary
| Stands for | Indefinite |
|---|---|
| Categories | Writing & Everyday |
indef. stands for Indefinite, a grammar and dictionary abbreviation.
Labels indefinite forms, most often in "indef. art." (the indefinite article "a" or "an") and "indef. pron." (indefinite pronouns such as "someone," "anything" and "each").
Example: someone (indef. pron.) an unspecified person: "Someone left the door open."
Usage notes
Indefinite pronouns such as "everyone" traditionally take singular verbs, though they are often referred back to with "they." The indefinite article descends from the Old English numeral "an," meaning "one," which is why "a" and "one" still overlap in meaning. Its counterpart is def. (definite).