definitive

[dih-fin-i-tiv]

adjective

1. most reliable or complete, as of a text, author, criticism, study, or the like.

   the definitive biography of Andrew Jackson.

2. serving to define, fix, or specify definitely.

   to clarify with a definitive statement.

3. having its fixed and final form; providing a solution or final answer; satisfying all criteria.

   the definitive treatment for an infection; a definitive answer to a dilemma.

   Synonyms: supreme, ultimate, absolute, complete

4. Biology.,  providing the environment in which a fully developed parasite is able to reproduce, as is provided by a definitive host.

noun

1. a defining or limiting word, as an article, a demonstrative, or the like.

2. Philately.,  a stamp that is a regular issue and is usually on sale for an extended period of time.

definitive

/ dɪˈfɪnɪtɪv /

adjective

1. serving to decide or settle finally; conclusive

2. most reliable, complete, or authoritative

   the definitive reading of a text

3. serving to define or outline

4. zoology fully developed; complete

   the definitive form of a parasite

5. 1. (of postage stamps) permanently on sale

   2. (as noun) a definitive postage stamp

noun

1. grammar a word indicating specificity of reference, such as the definite article or a demonstrative adjective or pronoun

Other Word Forms

• definitively adverb
• definitiveness noun
• nondefinitive adjective
• nondefinitiveness noun
• undefinitive adjective
• undefinitiveness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of definitive¹

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English, from Old French, from Latin dēfīnītīvus, equivalent to dēfīnīt(us) ( definite ) + -īvus adjective suffix ( -ive )

Example Sentences

Lastly, in the event that you do tell a colleague “maybe,” it is a good idea to give a definitive answer as soon as possible.

Read more on Wall Street Journal

OpenAI and AMD described Monday’s announcement as “definitive,” and planned to immediately file details with securities regulators, according to people familiar with the matter.

Read more on Wall Street Journal

The findings put a definitive time on a dramatic event that changed the Red Sea.

Read more on Science Daily

"We are aware of many other thefts that share some of the hallmarks of North Korea-linked activity but lack sufficient evidence to be definitively attributed," he says.

Read more on BBC

There's little research on shark numbers to definitively tell either way – but experts argue an increase in sightings doesn't necessarily mean there are more sharks.

Read more on BBC

Related Words

• actual 
• categorical 
• clear-cut 
• conclusive 
• decisive 
• definite 
• exhaustive 
• precise 
• reliable 
• specific 
• ultimate 
• unambiguous