Next: Defunct Practice this wordAll D words

Definitive

Final and conclusive; providing a definite answer, ruling, or definition.

adjective

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Imagine This

Imagine a judge stamping a document with the word Definitive, sealing the final verdict and ending every argument.

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Sounds Like

dih-FIN-i-tiv (like 'definite' with an -ive ending; stress on the second syllable).

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Looks Like

Looks like 'definite' with the suffix -ive; shares the same root and sense of clarity, but adds finality.

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Remember This

Definitive emphasizes finality and authority. It is often used with 'evidence', 'edition', or 'answer' to signal there is no further doubt or change.

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Other Forms

definitivelyadverb

definitenessnoun

definitivenessnoun

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Connect With

conclusive, decisive, final, unequivocal, authoritative

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Note

Definitive is stronger than 'definite.' Use it when describing something that provides a final, authoritative resolution rather than just a clear or certain option.

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Study Deeper

Examples

The report provided a definitive answer to the cause of the outage.
The witness presented definitive evidence that confirmed the suspect's guilt.

Synonyms

conclusivedecisivefinalunequivocalauthoritative

Antonyms

ambiguousinconclusivetentativeindefinite

Etymology

From Latin definitus 'bound, defined', past participle of definire 'to define, set boundaries', from de- 'completely' + finire 'to end, limit'.

Mnemonic

Definitive is definite with an -ive suffix; think of a final, official seal that makes the decision truly definitive.

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Intricate

adjective

Very complicated or detailed; having many interrelated parts.

Demonstrative

adjective

serving to indicate or point out something; in grammar, relating to how words like this, that, these, and those modify or replace nouns; also used to describe a person who openly expresses emotions

Compromise

verb

To settle differences by making concessions during negotiation; or to expose to risk or harm by allowing protections, standards, or integrity to be weakened.