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definitive

[ dih-fin-i-tiv ]
/ dɪˈfɪn ɪ tɪv /
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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. providing the environment in which a fully developed parasite is able to reproduce, as is provided by a definitive host.

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).

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Origin of definitive

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

OTHER WORDS FROM definitive

WORDS THAT MAY BE CONFUSED WITH definitive

definite, definitive

Words nearby definitive

definitely, definite relative clause, definite relative pronoun, definition, definitions, definitive, definitive host, definitively, definitive plumage, definitize, definitude
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2021

Words related to definitive

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

Example sentences from the Web for definitive

British Dictionary definitions for definitive

definitive
/ (dɪˈfɪnɪtɪv) /

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
  1. (of postage stamps) permanently on sale
  2. (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 forms of definitive

definitively, 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
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