Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Providing a final and conclusive answer or settlement: Something that is definitive ends discussion or doubt by being authoritative and decisive.
   • Of recognized authority or excellence; the most accurate and complete of its kind: A definitive work or example is considered the best and most reliable source on a subject.
   • Clearly defined or formulated; unambiguous: Language or terms that are definitive are clear and leave no room for confusion.

Examples

• Adjective:
  • The committee's report is considered the definitive analysis of the event.
  • She wrote the definitive biography of the author.
  • We are awaiting a definitive ruling from the court.

Advanced Usage

• "Definitive edition": The final, most complete, and authoritative version of a published work, often including all previous corrections and additional material.

  • The publisher released the definitive edition of the novel, which included the author's final revisions.

• "Definitive answer": A final and conclusive response that settles a matter.

  • After years of research, scientists hope to find a definitive answer to the question.

• "Definitive proof": Evidence that is conclusive and beyond dispute.

  • The DNA test provided definitive proof of his innocence.

Variants and Related Words

• Definitively (adverb): In a manner that is final and conclusive.

  • The matter was definitively settled by the judge's ruling.

• Definitiveness (noun): The quality of being definitive.

  • The definitiveness of the evidence made further debate pointless.

Synonyms

• Conclusive: Serving to prove a case; decisive.
• Authoritative: Able to be trusted as being accurate or true; reliable.
• Exhaustive: Including or considering all elements or aspects; fully comprehensive.
• Unequivocal: Leaving no doubt; unambiguous.

Antonyms

• Tentative: Not certain or fixed; provisional.
• Inconclusive: Not leading to a firm conclusion; not resolving doubt or question.
• Ambiguous: Open to more than one interpretation; not having one obvious meaning.

Related Phrases and Idioms

• "The definitive word": The final, most authoritative statement or decision on a matter.
  • As the CEO, she has the definitive word on all major company policies.

Adjective

1. supplying or being a final or conclusive settlement
   • a definitive verdict
   • a determinate answer to the problem
2. of recognized authority or excellence
   • the definitive work on Greece
   • classical methods of navigation
3. clearly defined or formulated
   • the plain and unequivocal language of the laws- R.B.Taney