Definitive: meaning, definitions and examples

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definitive

[dɪˈfɪnɪtɪv ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Adjective}

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. She wrote the definitive guide to baking cakes. His speech provided a definitive answer to the question.
conclusive	Apply when referring to evidence, results, or arguments that serve to prove a point and eliminate doubt. The DNA results were conclusive, proving his innocence. Their conclusive victory ended the championship debate.
decisive	Utilize when referring to a decision or action that is quick, clear, and conclusive, often resolving uncertainty or conflict. Her decisive leadership saved the company from bankruptcy. He made a decisive move that won the chess game.

Word

Description / Examples

definitive

Use when referring to something that is considered the most authoritative and complete.

She wrote the definitive guide to baking cakes.
His speech provided a definitive answer to the question.

conclusive

Apply when referring to evidence, results, or arguments that serve to prove a point and eliminate doubt.

The DNA results were conclusive, proving his innocence.
Their conclusive victory ended the championship debate.

decisive

Utilize when referring to a decision or action that is quick, clear, and conclusive, often resolving uncertainty or conflict.

Her decisive leadership saved the company from bankruptcy.
He made a decisive move that won the chess game.

Examples of usage

It was the definitive answer to the long-standing debate.
The court's ruling was definitive and could not be appealed.

^{Context #2 | Adjective}

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. The definitive guide to quantum mechanics provides a thorough explanation of the subject. This is the definitive biography of the president.
authoritative	Indicates comprehensive knowledge and reliability, often implies a sense of authority or official status, commonly used in reference to sources, studies, and statements. The study was published in an authoritative journal. She wrote an authoritative book on ancient history.
ultimate	Used to describe the best, most extreme, or the most fundamental; frequently utilized in casual, marketing, or emphatic situations. He achieved the ultimate success in his career. This is the ultimate gaming experience.
canonical	Refers to something that is accepted as being accurate, standard, or traditional, often used in literary, religious, and academic contexts. The novel is considered part of the canonical literature of the 20th century. These are the canonical texts of Buddhism.

Examples of usage

This book is considered the definitive guide to the subject.
The scientist's research became the definitive source on the topic.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

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.

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 actor’s 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.

Translations

Translations of the word "definitive" in other languages:

🇵🇹 definitivo

🇮🇳 निश्चित

🇩🇪 definitiv

🇮🇩 definitif

🇺🇦 остаточний

🇵🇱 ostateczny

🇯🇵 決定的な (けっていてきな)

🇫🇷 définitif

🇪🇸 definitivo

🇹🇷 kesin

🇰🇷 결정적인

🇸🇦 نهائي

🇨🇿 definitivní

🇸🇰 definitívny

🇨🇳 最终的 (zuìzhōng de)

🇸🇮 dokončen

🇮🇸 endanlegur

🇰🇿 ақырғы

🇬🇪 საბოლოო

🇦🇿 qəti

🇲🇽 definitivo

Word Frequency Rank

Position #7,634 indicates this is an advanced-level word. While not essential for basic communication, it will enhance your ability to understand and create more nuanced content.

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7631 sown
7632 warn
7633 priced
7634 definitive
7635 amplifier
7636 configurations
7637 coils
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