Something that is definitive provides a firm conclusion that cannot be questioned.
No one has come up with a definitive answer as to why this should be so.
There is no definitive test as yet for the condition.
Synonyms: final, convincing, absolute, clinching More Synonyms of definitive
definitivelyadverb
The Constitution did not definitively rule out divorce.
2. adjective [usually ADJECTIVE noun]
A definitive book or performance is thought to be the best of its kind that has ever been done or that will ever be done.
His 'An Orkney Tapestry' is still the definitive book on the islands.
Synonyms: authoritative, greatest, ultimate, reliable More Synonyms of definitive
definitive in British English
(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.
a.
(of postage stamps) permanently on sale
b. (as noun)
a definitive postage stamp
noun
6. grammar
a word indicating specificity of reference, such as the definite article or a demonstrative adjective or pronoun
Derived forms
definitively (deˈfinitively)
adverb
definitiveness (deˈfinitiveness)
noun
definitive in American English
(diˈfɪnətɪv; dɪˈfɪnətɪv)
adjective
1.
that decides or settles in a final way; decisive; conclusive
a definitive answer
2.
most nearly complete and accurate; authoritative
a definitive biography
3.
serving to define; limiting or distinguishing precisely
definitive details
4.
designating or of a postage stamp for regular use, issued for an unlimited period
noun
5.
a definitive postage stamp
see also commemorative
Derived forms
definitively (deˈfinitively)
adverb
definitiveness (deˈfinitiveness)
noun
Word origin
ME diffinitif < OFr definitif < L definitivus < pp. of definire, define
Examples of 'definitive' in a sentence
definitive
It's not certain that the defining games will offer definitive evidence.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
This is anything but a definitive list, but you get the idea.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
At various times we discussed writing his book, the definitive account of his life in the sport.
The Sun (2017)
The point of these devices is not to come up with definitive answers to questions such as'Is this book any good?
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
On Tuesday she clashed with MPs on the liaison committee for refusing to give definitive answers to a string of questions.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
But for the overall health of the economy the definitive answer is this: sometimes a currency depreciation is beneficial and sometimes it isn't.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
I wish I had the definitive answer.
The Sun (2016)
The following is not a definitive list of all organic organizations.
Lockspeiser, Jerry & Gear, Jackie Thorsons Organic Wine Guide (1991)
Now researchers have put together a definitive list of evidence that you really are getting on.
The Sun (2013)
This book is definitive and covers all aspects of cooking for the season.
The Sun (2009)
There is no definitive answer about how good it is for you.
Times, Sunday Times (2015)
No one can suggest this is a definitive list.
Times, Sunday Times (2008)
In our mind there is at least one more definitive step to go.
Times, Sunday Times (2015)
Research has not and probably cannot offer a definitive answer.
Tompkins, Jonathan Human Resource Management in Government (1995)
Obviously this is a very difficult choice and there is no definitive answer to it.
Kitto, Dick Planning the Organic Vegetable Garden (1986)
This will set out the broad outlines of agreement but will still be far from a definitive text.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
He was just very excited about doing the definitive book of his life in great pictures and in great detail.
Times, Sunday Times (2009)
The shareholder list is not definitive.
Times, Sunday Times (2012)
We are still waiting for a single definitive study or biography of Stewart.
Arthur Herman THE SCOTTISH ENLIGHTENMENT: The Scots' Invention of the Modern World (2002)
But so far the most definitive self comes from the Struggle.
The Times Literary Supplement (2012)
There remains no definitive evidence about the Korean allegations one way or the other.
Times, Sunday Times (2009)
In 1974 he published the definitive book on the history of carriage clocks.
Times, Sunday Times (2012)
A definitive study should be ready by the end of this year.
Times, Sunday Times (2008)
The drugs have been previously identified as increasing the risk of heart attacks but experts say this is the biggest and most definitive study of its kind.
Times, Sunday Times (2006)
I wish this year is the definitive one and we can have Cesc by our side.
The Sun (2011)
A Canadian university has produced the definitive study of procrastination.
Times, Sunday Times (2007)
But he admitted there was'no definitive evidence to prove or disprove the suggested link '.
The Sun (2015)
In other languages
definitive
British English: definitive ADJECTIVE
Something that is definitive provides a firm conclusion that cannot be questioned.
No one has come up with a definitive answer as to why this should be so.