definitive

USAGE SUMMARY

“definitive” is a correct and usable word in written English.
It is an adjective used to describe something that is considered to be absolute and final, without any doubt or question. For example, "This document provides a definitive answer to the question."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Analysts are in no doubt that the choice will be as definitive for the self-styled leader of Europe's anti-austerity movement, as the destiny of Greece itself.

The Guardian

Though definitive statistics are almost impossible to obtain, according to a pioneering field study, the 2010 National Abortion Survey, one in five Brazilian women have had at least one abortion by the age of 40 (in Britain the figure is one in three).

The Guardian

An unlikely coalition of sworn enemies came to a juddering and messy end as the UK parties bickered Alexander says it was important to change stance because a definitive no was the natural conclusion of further analysis by the Treasury.

The Guardian

Pearson said what limited evidence there was on minimum pricing suggested it could help but it was not definitive.

The Guardian

In Britain it has always been legal to call yourself whatever you like (as long as you're not committing fraud), so it is hard to get a definitive figure.

The Guardian - Books

This is of course not a definitive study of the impact of education on attainment in the media industry; it simply offers some evidence that the private school system dominates several sectors of the British establishment – and not just the political one.

The Guardian

The world needs to make crucial and definitive statements about the future.

The Guardian

"At this point we have no definitive evidence of the nationalities or identities of the perpetrators," a State Department spokesman told the Guardian.

The Guardian

People were "past the stage of being upset", he said, but were annoyed that it had taken so long for the police to allow them to visit the crime scene and to give them a definitive account of what happened.

The Guardian

She was impressed by his music, but he mistook her enthusiasm for a definitive golden ticket and in his determined way fashioned an album, including artwork, ready to record when they met for a second time.

The Guardian - Music

Here's a look back at how Warren has dodged the will-she-or-won't-she question and made her way to an almost, possibly, maybe definitive answer.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "definitive" to indicate a clear, conclusive resolution or outcome. Avoid using it when the situation is still uncertain or open to interpretation.

Common error

Avoid using "definitive" simply to add weight to a statement that is not truly final or conclusive. Overuse can weaken its impact. Instead, use more nuanced language.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "definitive" is as an adjective. It modifies nouns to indicate that something is conclusive, authoritative, or clearly defined. Ludwig AI confirms its appropriate and widespread use, as seen in various examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Formal & Business

25%

Science

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

7%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "definitive" is a versatile adjective used to express conclusiveness, authority, and clarity. Ludwig AI, along with a large number of examples, confirms its correct usage and high frequency, predominantly in news, formal writing, and scientific contexts. When using "definitive", it is important to ensure that the context truly warrants a sense of finality, and that alternative words like "conclusive" or "authoritative" are considered for nuanced expressions. The term is grammatically sound, and it's overuse should be prevented for a more impactful writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

conclusive

Emphasizes the ending of doubt or uncertainty.

decisive

Highlights the ability to make a clear and impactful determination.

authoritative

Focuses on the reliability and credibility of the source or statement.

unquestionable

Stresses the absence of any reason to doubt or challenge.

undeniable

Indicates that something cannot be refuted or contradicted.

irrefutable

Highlights the impossibility of disproving something.

explicit

Emphasizes clarity and directness in the statement.

categorical

Highlights the lack of exceptions or conditions.

settled

Suggests a matter is resolved and no longer open for debate.

absolute

Implies that something is complete and without limitations.

FAQs

How can I use "definitive" in a sentence?

You can use "definitive" to describe something that is conclusive, authoritative, or explicitly defined. For example, "This study offers a "definitive" answer to the question".

What are some alternatives to "definitive"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "conclusive", "decisive", or "authoritative".

Is it better to say "definitive" or "final"?

Both "definitive" and "final" can indicate a sense of completion, but "definitive" often implies a higher degree of clarity and authoritativeness. "Final" simply means last or ending, while "definitive" suggests something is settled beyond dispute.

When is it inappropriate to use "definitive"?

Avoid using "definitive" when the evidence is not conclusive, or when there is still room for doubt or further discussion. In such cases, words like "tentative" or "preliminary" may be more appropriate.