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. Compare commemorative ( def 2 ).

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

Derived Forms

• deˈfinitiveness, noun
• deˈfinitively, adverb

Other Words From

• de·fin·i·tive·ly adverb
• de·fin·i·tive·ness noun
• non·de·fin·i·tive adjective
• non·de·fin·i·tive·ness noun
• un·de·fin·i·tive adjective
• un·de·fin·i·tive·ness 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

Forty years after they began the task – and nearly four hundred years after receiving their first commission – sages in Paris have finally produced a new edition of the definitive French dictionary.

From BBC

“Animal models are useful, but not definitive evidence for what happens in humans.”

From Salon

But definitive plans on what the track will look like have not been released.

From Los Angeles Times

The taoiseach has faced persistent questions over the timing of the election for months, previously sidestepping requests to provide a definitive timeline.

From BBC

He said the UK government was taking "definitive action" on tackling pollution with a bill which would give increased powers to regulators to tackle polluting companies.

From BBC

Related Words

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