Definition

1. Adjective:

   • Having the power or quality of deciding; conclusive: A "determinative" factor or event is one that settles an issue or determines an outcome.
   • Serving to define, limit, or specify: In grammar, a "determinative" element restricts or clarifies the meaning of another word.

2. Noun:

   • A determining or causal element or factor: A "determinative" is something that controls, influences, or decides the nature or outcome of something else.
   • A linguistic element that determines the reference of a noun phrase: In some languages, a "determinative" is a word (like an article or demonstrative) or morpheme that specifies which entity a noun refers to.

Usage Examples

• Adjective:

  • The CEO's support was the determinative factor in approving the new project.
  • In this language, the determinative suffix must be attached to the noun.

• Noun:

  • Access to clean water is a key determinative of public health.
  • The word 'the' functions as a determinative in English noun phrases like 'the car'.

Advanced Usage

• In Legal or Formal Contexts: Used to describe the conclusive or deciding element in a process.
  • The board's vote is determinative; no further appeals are permitted.
• In Linguistics: Specifically refers to a class of words that make a noun's reference definite, indefinite, or possessive.
  • Articles, demonstratives, and possessive adjectives are all types of determinatives.

Variants and Related Words

• Determine (verb): To settle or decide conclusively.
  • The jury will determine the verdict.
• Determination (noun): The quality of being resolute or the act of deciding.
  • She showed great determination to succeed.
• Determinant (noun/adjective): Often used interchangeably with "determinative" as a noun meaning a deciding factor, or as an adjective meaning having a deciding influence.
  • Price is a major determinant of consumer choice.

Synonyms

• Adjective: Decisive, conclusive, definitive, deciding.
• Noun: Determinant, factor, criterion, arbiter.

Related Phrases

• Determinative power: The authority or capacity to make a final decision.
  • The committee was granted determinative power over the budget.
• Determinative role: A function that is crucial in deciding an outcome.
  • Technology plays a determinative role in modern education.

Adjective

1. having the power or quality of deciding
   • the crucial experiment
   • cast the deciding vote
   • the determinative (or determinant) battle

Noun

1. a determining or causal element or factor
   • education is an important determinant of one's outlook on life
2. one of a limited class of noun modifiers that determine the referents of noun phrases