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

He will seek and then pour over the paper trail, talk to Angela Rayner and attempt to establish a definitive timeline of what she did and when and who she spoke to and why.

From BBC

There were no definitive statements that could be made about the direction of the program.

From Los Angeles Times

While the Supreme Court has ruled — definitively — that doing so is protected by the First Amendment, Donny felt it necessary to protect a symbol of our country rather than the actual rights the flag represents.

From Salon

Although he said it wasn't possible to definitively identify the munitions used, the apparent physical characteristics and pattern of flight "suggest a 'multi-purpose' tank gun projectile, such as the Israeli M339 model".

From BBC

The attacker, who died at the scene of a self-inflicted gunshot wound, left a note, officials said, but they added that a definitive motive may never be known.

From BBC

Related Words

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