adj
Common
definitive
dih-FIHN-ih-tihv
Definitive (adj) means Final and conclusive, settling a matter once and for all. Example: “The court issued a definitive ruling on the case.”
adj
1
Final and conclusive, settling a matter once and for all.
"The court issued a definitive ruling on the case."
"This is considered the definitive biography of the composer."
"We still lack definitive proof, so the investigation will carry on."
How to use definitive
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishThe final, authoritative version — nothing more needs to be said or done.
Common mistake
Don't confuse with "definite," which just means clear or certain rather than final and authoritative.
Easily confused with
Common pairings
definitive answer
definitive edition
definitive proof
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Word forms
- Plural
- definitives
- Comparative
- more definitive
- Superlative
- most definitive
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The court issued a _____ ruling on the case.
Etymology
From Middle French définitif, from the same Latin root as "define."
Synonyms
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Related words
Rhymes for definitive
See all rhymes for definitive →Frequently asked questions
What does “definitive” mean?
The word “definitive” means final and conclusive, settling a matter once and for all. In plain terms, the final, authoritative version — nothing more needs to be said or done.
How do you pronounce “definitive”?
“Definitive” is pronounced dih-FIHN-ih-tihv (/dɪˈfɪn.ə.tɪv/ in IPA).
How do you use “definitive” in a sentence?
Here is “definitive” used in a sentence: “The court issued a definitive ruling on the case.”
What part of speech is “definitive”?
“Definitive” is an adjective.
Where does the word “definitive” come from?
The word “definitive” comes from Latin. From Middle French définitif, from the same Latin root as "define.".
Is “definitive” a common word?
“Definitive” is a fairly common word in modern English.
What is the difference between definitive and final?
Definitive and final both describe an ending point, but definitive adds the sense of being authoritative and conclusive, not just last in a sequence. A definitive answer is treated as the correct, settled one, while a final answer simply means no more answers will follow.
When is it appropriate to call something a definitive version?
A definitive version is used when a particular edition, ruling, or account is considered the most authoritative and complete, such that it settles the matter and no further revision is expected.
Can definitive be used to describe a person's opinion?
Yes, though it's more common to describe statements, rulings, or accounts as definitive rather than opinions, since the word implies a level of authority and finality that personal opinions don't usually carry.
