definite reply

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "definite reply" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when you are expecting a clear and certain response to a question or request. Example: "I would appreciate a definite reply regarding your attendance at the meeting."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

We got a definite reply that there is no such file in the archives, and there was no such file earlier.

Independent

However, once again, I should like to be allowed sufficient time to hold further discussions with my colleague, Mr Nielson, in order to give a more definite reply.

EU Parlament

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

(via The High Definite).

Huffington Post

GENERAL R. A. RUDENKO (Chief Prosecutor for the U.S.S.R .: Witness Lahousen, you have made definite replies to questions by Colonel Amen and I should like to have certain details.

Yale University

Asked whether the prospect of redundancies had weighed heavily on his players, McCoist replied: "Definite possiblity.

BBC

Not definitive, just definite.

The New York Times

When asked whether he fancies "beefing up" for the superhero genre, Radcliffe replied with a definite "absolutely".

Independent

However, when Perkins was asked whether he would have still taken the role knowing that he would be typecast afterwards, he replied with a definite "yes".

Wikipedia

W.U. said "How's business with you these days, huh?" Postal replied seriously "We've noticed a definite pickup in the last month".

The New Yorker

"Well look," she replies, unflustered, "obviously mine is a very definite point of view and there are many people who disagree with me vehemently.

The Guardian - Books

The value of the 12 self-reported questions as screening questions was further investigated by comparing replies with the final observer rating (suspected or definite present).

British Journal of Psychiatry

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "definite reply" when you need to emphasize the clarity and lack of ambiguity in the response you expect or have received.

Common error

While grammatically correct, "definite reply" can sound overly formal in casual conversations. Opt for a simpler phrase like "clear answer" or "yes/no" in informal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "definite reply" functions as a noun phrase, where "definite" modifies the noun "reply", indicating a specific quality of the reply. Ludwig confirms that it is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

50%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "definite reply" is a grammatically correct and usable expression in English, as confirmed by Ludwig. It denotes a clear and unambiguous response. While its frequency is relatively rare, its usage spans across contexts such as news, media and science. When using "definite reply", consider its level of formality. If you consider its alternatives, you can say "clear answer", "certain answer", or "unambiguous answer", depending on the nuance you wish to convey. As indicated by Ludwig, this phrase aims to offer confirmation or assurance, ensuring the response provided is clear and free from ambiguity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unambiguous answer

Emphasizes the lack of ambiguity in the response.

clear answer

Focuses on the clarity of the response.

certain answer

Highlights the certainty and confidence in the reply.

categorical response

Implies a response with no conditions or exceptions.

unequivocal answer

Stresses the lack of doubt or hesitation in the reply.

explicit response

Highlights the clarity and detail in the answer.

affirmative response

Focuses on a positive and agreeing reply.

firm response

Highlights the resoluteness of the response.

decisive reply

Emphasizes the conclusiveness of the response.

straightforward answer

Indicates a clear and direct reply.

FAQs

What does "definite reply" mean?

A "definite reply" is a clear and unambiguous answer to a question or request, leaving no room for doubt or uncertainty.

How can I use "definite reply" in a sentence?

You can use it like this: "I need a "clear answer" by tomorrow" or "We expect a "unambiguous answer" soon".

What are some alternatives to "definite reply"?

Alternatives include "clear answer", "certain answer", or "unambiguous answer" depending on the specific context.

Is "definitive reply" the same as "definite reply"?

"Definitive" means conclusive and authoritative, while "definite" means clear and certain. A "definitive reply" provides a final resolution, whereas a "definite reply" simply provides a clear response. The words are not interchangeable.