Definitive Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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definitive
[dษชหfษชnษชtษชv ]
Definitions
final decision
Having the power or quality of deciding or settling an issue; conclusive; final.
Synonyms
conclusive, conclusive, decisive.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| definitive |
Use when referring to something that is considered the most authoritative and complete.
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| conclusive |
Apply when referring to evidence, results, or arguments that serve to prove a point and eliminate doubt.
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| decisive |
Utilize when referring to a decision or action that is quick, clear, and conclusive, often resolving uncertainty or conflict.
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Examples of usage
- It was the definitive answer to the long-standing debate.
- The court's ruling was definitive and could not be appealed.
authoritative source
Authoritative and complete; serving to define or specify precisely.
Synonyms
authoritative, canonical, ultimate.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| definitive |
Used to describe the most complete and accurate version or solution, often used in academic, scientific, or professional contexts.
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| authoritative |
Indicates comprehensive knowledge and reliability, often implies a sense of authority or official status, commonly used in reference to sources, studies, and statements.
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| ultimate |
Used to describe the best, most extreme, or the most fundamental; frequently utilized in casual, marketing, or emphatic situations.
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| canonical |
Refers to something that is accepted as being accurate, standard, or traditional, often used in literary, religious, and academic contexts.
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Examples of usage
- This book is considered the definitive guide to the subject.
- The scientist's research became the definitive source on the topic.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Science
- In scientific terms, a definitive result is one that is reliable and reproducible, often confirmed by multiple experiments.
- The term is crucial in hypothesis testing, where definitive evidence can validate or refute a theory.
- In taxonomy, a definitive classification can help scientists identify species and inform conservation efforts.
Literature
- In literary contexts, a definitive edition of a book is one that is complete and authoritative, often including all corrections and revisions.
- Writers strive to produce definitive works that encapsulate their thoughts fully, leaving little room for ambiguity.
- The phrase 'definitive interpretation' is often used in literary analysis to describe the most accepted understanding of a text.
Legal
- In legal terms, a definitive ruling is a court decision that sets a precedent, establishing a standard for all similar cases.
- Contracts often seek definitive terms to avoid ambiguity and ensure that all parties understand their obligations.
- Definitive statements in law can determine outcomes in trials, impacting the rights and responsibilities of the individuals involved.
Pop Culture
- In movies, a definitive performance is one that is particularly memorable and may define an actorโs career.
- Definitive soundtracks or albums are those that are exactly representative of a genre or artist.
- Cultural critics often debate which films or books have had a definitive impact on modern society or specific movements.
Origin of 'definitive'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from the Latin 'definitivus', which means 'defining' or 'settling'.
- It entered the English language in the late 15th century, indicating clarity and finality.
- In Latin, 'definire' means 'to limit' or 'to determine', suggesting setting boundaries.
The word 'definitive' originated from the Latin word 'definitivus', which means 'having fixed limits'. It entered the English language in the late 18th century. Over time, 'definitive' has come to represent something that is final, authoritative, and conclusive. The term is commonly used in legal, scientific, and academic contexts to denote the ultimate decision or source of information.
See also: definable, defined, definite, indefinably, indefinite, redefine.