definitive

American  

[dih-fin-i-tiv] / dɪˈfɪn ɪ tɪv /

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 British  

/ 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

Etymology

Origin of definitive

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

Example Sentences

Changes to diet, lifestyle and environmental pollutants such as microplastics have all been suggested as potential causes of the rise in cases, but definitive proof has been elusive.

From Barron's

Under the terms of the definitive agreement, Webster would become a wholly owned unit of Santander.

From The Wall Street Journal

In a few weeks, Shiffrin will be at it again, trying to make a definitive mark at another Winter Games.

From The Wall Street Journal

Machines are no longer able to accurately detect if a video or image is definitively fake, and machines would struggle even more on the subjective judgement of whether or not content counts as 'slop'.

From BBC

"May this be the beginning of a path that leads us to freedom and democracy, definitively and forever," he told AFP in an interview at his home in Caracas.

From Barron's

Related Words

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