definitive

[dih-fin-i-tiv]

SEE MORE SYNONYMS FOR definitive ON THESAURUS.COM

adjective

most reliable or complete, as of a text, author, criticism, study, or the like: the definitive biography of Andrew Jackson.

serving to define, fix, or specify definitely: to clarify with a definitive statement.

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.

Biology. fully developed or formed; complete.

noun

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

Philately. a stamp that is a regular issue and is usually on sale for an extended period of time.Compare commemorative(def 2).

Origin of definitive

1350–1400; Middle English < Old French < Latin dēfīnītīvus, equivalent to dēfīnīt(us) (see definite) + -īvus -ive

Related formsde·fin·i·tive·ly, adverbde·fin·i·tive·ness, nounnon·de·fin·i·tive, adjectivenon·de·fin·i·tive·ly, adverbnon·de·fin·i·tive·ness, nounun·de·fin·i·tive, adjectiveun·de·fin·i·tive·ly, adverbun·de·fin·i·tive·ness, noun

Can be confuseddefinite definitive

Synonyms for definitive

SEE MORE SYNONYMS FOR definitive ON THESAURUS.COM

3. complete, absolute, ultimate, supreme.

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Related Words for definitive

precise, unambiguous, actual, categorical, clear-cut, reliable, definite, specific, ultimate, exhaustive, decisive, conclusive, absolute, complete, determining, downright, ending, express, final, last

Examples from the Web for definitive

Contemporary Examples of definitive

Check out our definitive collection of destinations on the rise for next year.
Next Stop, Quito: Our Top Cities for 2015
Brandon Presser
December 19, 2014
Stay tuned for our definitive list of the top 10 cities to visit in 2015.
Why Your Next Vacation Will Be in Turkmenistan
Brandon Presser
December 13, 2014
But instead of board member, the definitive organizational role in contemporary corporatism is (yep) the human resources manager.
Valerie Jarrett, Obama Consigliere—and Democracy Killer
James Poulos
November 12, 2014
BuzzFeed provided the “definitive ranking” of its favorite characters in the montage.
There Are More 'Too Many Cooks' Where That First Fever Dream Came From
Kevin Fallon
November 11, 2014
I never got a definitive answer, but I think he was used to having a rhythm section that would not be that dynamic under him.
Herbie Hancock Holds Forth
David Yaffe
November 8, 2014

Historical Examples of definitive

The first, the most fierce, and the definitive battle was fought over the moon.
My Double Life
Sarah Bernhardt
We have yet no news of the signature of the definitive treaty.
The Diplomatic Correspondence of the American Revolution, Vol. IX
Various
The versions given are the definitive and authoritative ones.
College Teaching
Paul Klapper
Closeness to the natural environment is definitive of this stage.
The Civilization of Illiteracy
Mihai Nadin
These characteristics are definitive of the civilization of illiteracy.
The Civilization of Illiteracy
Mihai Nadin

British Dictionary definitions for definitive

definitive

adjective

serving to decide or settle finally; conclusive

most reliable, complete, or authoritativethe definitive reading of a text

serving to define or outline

zoology fully developed; completethe definitive form of a parasite

(of postage stamps) permanently on sale
(as noun)a definitive postage stamp

noun

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

Derived Formsdefinitively, adverbdefinitiveness, noun

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Word Origin and History for definitive

adj.

late 14c., from Old French definitif (12c.), from Latin definitivus "explanatory, definitive," from past participle stem of definire (see define). Related: Definitively.