a definitive interpretation

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a definitive interpretation" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing a clear and conclusive understanding or explanation of a particular subject or text. Example: "The scholar provided a definitive interpretation of the ancient manuscript, shedding light on its true meaning."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

16 human-written examples

Fowles resisted demands placed on him for a definitive interpretation.

The Guardian - Books

While I'm translating Bernadette Peters's innermost thoughts, here was the subtext of her intro for "Follies": "Ladies and gentlemen, please enjoy this number from a musical in which I gave a definitive interpretation of one of Sondheim's most complex heroines but was not nominated for a Tony.

The New Yorker

A definitive interpretation of these issues has yet to gain general acceptance in the literature.

SEP

WARF said no, and asked a federal district court in Madison to render a definitive interpretation of the agreement.

Science Magazine

Nowhere in the Mencius is there enough said to point to a definitive interpretation on this matter, but various reconstructions of possible positions can be given.

SEP

While the electrochemical impedance spectroscopy does not allow a definitive interpretation, the changes in resonance frequency and third Fourier harmonic current of the resonator on actuation at the fundamental mode indicate formation of a flexibly bound layer.

Electrochimica Acta

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

42 human-written examples

But health experts said any definitive interpretation of the outdoor risk is not possible because of the lack of specific health standards.

The New York Times

The cupid and satyrs seem invisible to the girl and may be part of her dream, but as with the artist's "Sleeping Apollo" the picture defies any definitive interpretation.

The New York Times - Arts

Obviously, the small number of subjects included in the study precludes any definitive interpretation.

Plosone

However, as we had no external measures of the addicts' cognitive performance in the present study and the functional role of caudate in the DMN is still to be clarified, further studies are needed to provide a more definitive interpretation of our present finding.

Plosone

Better delineations of the lesion border and margin result in a more definitive interpretation.

BioMed Research International

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a definitive interpretation" when you want to convey that an understanding or explanation is not just one possibility among many, but the most accurate and authoritative one. It signals clarity and conclusiveness.

Common error

Be careful not to use "a definitive interpretation" when the subject is still open to debate or lacks sufficient evidence. Using it prematurely can undermine your credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a definitive interpretation" functions as a noun phrase. It typically serves as the object of a verb (e.g., "offer", "provide", "reach") or as a complement to a noun (e.g., "the need for"). Ludwig examples show its use in diverse contexts, reinforcing this function.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

43%

News & Media

36%

Formal & Business

21%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a definitive interpretation" is a useful phrase for indicating a clear, conclusive, and authoritative understanding. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and suitable for formal writing. It appears most frequently in science and news contexts. When using it, make sure the context supports the claim of certainty, and consider alternative phrases like "a conclusive explanation" or "a final analysis" if a less assertive tone is desired.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a conclusive explanation

Replaces 'interpretation' with 'explanation' to emphasize the act of clarifying.

a final analysis

Substitutes 'interpretation' with 'analysis', highlighting a detailed examination leading to a conclusion.

an authoritative explanation

Emphasizes the credibility and expertise behind the explanation.

a clear understanding

Focuses on the resulting comprehension rather than the process of interpreting.

an accepted reading

Replaces "interpretation" with "reading," implying a widely agreed-upon understanding of a text or situation.

a settled construction

Implies that the interpretation is not only definitive but also firmly established and unlikely to change.

the last word

An idiomatic phrase meaning the ultimate or most authoritative statement on a subject.

a certain construction

Replaces 'definitive interpretation' with a less forceful and more neutral term.

the established view

Conveys the sense of a widely accepted and unquestioned interpretation.

the orthodox explanation

Suggests the traditional, conventional, or widely accepted interpretation.

FAQs

How to use "a definitive interpretation" in a sentence?

You can use "a definitive interpretation" to describe a conclusive understanding of a subject. For example: "The scholar offered "a definitive interpretation" of the historical document."

What can I say instead of "a definitive interpretation"?

You can use alternatives like "a conclusive explanation", "a final analysis", or "an authoritative explanation" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "a definitive interpretation"?

It's appropriate when referring to an understanding that is widely accepted and supported by strong evidence, rather than a tentative or speculative viewpoint.

What's the difference between "a definitive interpretation" and "a possible interpretation"?

"A definitive interpretation" suggests a conclusive and authoritative understanding, while "a possible interpretation" implies one of several potential understandings. The former indicates certainty, whereas the latter suggests speculation.