definitive
/di'finitiv/
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
- 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
- supplying or being a final or conclusive settlement
- a definitive verdict
- a determinate answer to the problem
- of recognized authority or excellence
- the definitive work on Greece
- classical methods of navigation
- clearly defined or formulated
- the plain and unequivocal language of the laws- R.B.Taney