definitive

«definitive» in Mova's school dictionary: Final and settled, so that nobody can argue with or… — its meaning for a pupil, its sense in the lessons and examples.

part of speech

adjective (definitive; more definitive)

meaning for a pupil

1) Final and settled, so that nobody can argue with or change it: «a definitive answer». tree →

2) The best, most complete or most trusted version of something: «the definitive guide to sharks». tree →

3) (stamps) Definitive stamps are the ordinary, long-running stamps, not special issues. tree →

sense in the lessons

In school and science, a «definitive answer» or «definitive proof» is one that settles a question beyond doubt; scientists are often careful to say results are «not yet definitive». In book and film reviews, «the definitive version» is the best one. Phrases: «a definitive answer», «definitive proof», «the definitive guide», «definitive list».

examples

• We still have no definitive answer to how big the universe is. tree →
• This is the definitive guide to British birds. tree →
• The test gave definitive proof that the water was safe. tree →
• Mum's answer was a definitive «No». tree →
• Is this the definitive list of winners? tree →
• The scientists said the result was exciting but not definitive. tree →

note

Do not confuse with «definite» (clear and sure: «a definite yes»). «Definitive» is stronger: final and authoritative. Adverb: «definitively». Said «dih-FIN-uh-tiv».

Trees and pragmatics

Every meaning and example of «definitive» parsed by Mova, each sentence with its dependency tree and frames.