First Known Use: 14th century
Dictionary
1definitive
adjective de·fin·i·tive \di-ˈfi-nə-tiv\
: not able to be argued about or changed : final and settled
: complete, accurate, and considered to be the best of its kind
Full Definition of DEFINITIVE
1
: serving to provide a final solution or to end a situation <a definitive victory>
2
: authoritative and apparently exhaustive <a definitive edition>
3
a : serving to define or specify precisely <definitive laws> b : serving as a perfect example : quintessential <a definitive bourgeois>
4
: fully differentiated or developed <a definitive organ>
5
of a postage stamp : issued as a regular stamp for the country or territory in which it is to be used
— de·fin·i·tive·ly adverb
— de·fin·i·tive·ness noun
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Origin of DEFINITIVE
Middle English diffinityf, from Anglo-French diffinitive, from Latin definitivus, from definitus
Related to DEFINITIVE
- Synonyms
- authoritative, classic, classical, magisterial
- Antonyms
- inconclusive, indecisive, unclear
Synonym Discussion of DEFINITIVE
conclusive, decisive, determinative, definitive mean bringing to an end. conclusive applies to reasoning or logical proof that puts an end to debate or questioning <conclusive evidence>. decisive may apply to something that ends a controversy, a contest, or any uncertainty <a decisive battle>. determinative adds an implication of giving a fixed character or direction <the determinative factor in the court's decision>. definitive applies to what is put forth as final and permanent <the definitive biography>.
Rhymes with DEFINITIVE
2definitive
noun
Definition of DEFINITIVE
: a definitive postage stamp — compare provisional
First Known Use of DEFINITIVE
1951
Rhymes with DEFINITIVE
Medical Dictionary
definitive
adjective de·fin·i·tive \di-ˈfin-ət-iv\
Medical Definition of DEFINITIVE
: fully differentiated or developed <a definitive organ>
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