definitive definition

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "definitive definition" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when you want to emphasize a clear and final explanation of a term or concept. Example: "The definitive definition of 'sustainability' encompasses environmental, social, and economic dimensions."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

I worry about trying to get a definitive definition from her, but I ask the question anyway.

The Guardian - Music

I quickly learned that despite the fact that many advocacy organizations use the term "digital rights," no definitive definition existed.

Harvard University

"Before we view this as a definitive definition of what people have been infected with, we need to be sure it's a comprehensive picture," he says.

Science Magazine

Based on the new version of an RN space, Guo presented a definitive definition of the random conjugate space for an RN space.

Journal of Inequalities and Applications

These difficulties in identifying subsidiary processes are further hindered by the lack of consistent classification criteria across SFL guidelines, therefore making it difficult to pin down a definitive definition.

Functional Linguistics

The U.S. State Department of Commerce gave me a more definitive definition of which groups Indians and Pakistanis fall into: "... persons who indicated their race as "Asian Indian" and persons who identified themselves as Bengalese, Bharat, Dravidian, East Indian, or Goanese" are considered "Asian Indians".

Science Magazine

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

Also, our outcomes are only indicators of quality, not definitive definitions [ 48].

BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth

Accordingly, FOXP3 expression by CD4+CD25+ T cells was quickly adopted as a more definitive phenotypic definition of a T-Reg cell.

Plosone

Not definitive, just definite.

The New York Times

Since liver fat is continuously distributed it is arguably an oversimplification to regard any cutoff value as definitive, and our definition is consistent with the median liver fat content reported among patients with Type 2 diabetes in Edinburgh, where our participants were recruited (42).

American Journal of Physiology - Gastrointestinal and Liver Physiology

In many of these studies, sample sizes and multiple confounders in case definition limit definitive interpretation, leading some authors to conclude that socio-economic factors are mainly responsible for the variation in school performance and neurocognitive ability in asthma [ 32].

Alzheimer's Research and Therapy

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When aiming for utmost clarity in technical or academic writing, use "definitive definition" to underscore that you are presenting the most accurate and conclusive explanation of a term.

Common error

Avoid using "definitive definition" in casual conversation or informal writing. Simpler alternatives like "clear definition" or "basic definition" are often more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "definitive definition" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective 'definitive' modifies the noun 'definition'. According to Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and emphasizes that the definition is the final and most accurate one. The examples from Ludwig AI also show usage in academic and scientific contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

60%

News & Media

20%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "definitive definition" is a grammatically sound and emphasizes a conclusive explanation of a term. As Ludwig AI confirms, the expression is correct and can be effectively employed when clarity and precision are essential. While not exceedingly common, it appears mostly in scientific, academic, and news contexts. If you aim to communicate clarity, consider alternatives like "precise definition" or "clear definition". Be mindful of the register and avoid overusing it in casual settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

precise definition

Replaces "definitive" with "precise", emphasizing accuracy and exactness in the definition.

clear definition

Uses "clear" instead of "definitive", highlighting the understandability and lack of ambiguity in the definition.

exact definition

Substitutes "definitive" with "exact", stressing the accuracy and meticulousness of the definition.

authoritative definition

Replaces "definitive" with "authoritative", focusing on the credibility and reliability of the source providing the definition.

unambiguous definition

Uses "unambiguous" instead of "definitive", emphasizing the lack of confusion or multiple interpretations in the definition.

comprehensive definition

Substitutes "definitive" with "comprehensive", stressing the thoroughness and completeness of the definition.

final definition

Replaces "definitive" with "final", focusing on the conclusiveness and ultimate nature of the definition.

established definition

Uses "established" to replace definitive emphasizing a widespread and accepted definition.

standard definition

Highlights that the definition is widely accepted and used.

accepted definition

Emphasizes the general agreement and endorsement of the definition within a specific context or field.

FAQs

How can I use "definitive definition" in a sentence?

You can use "definitive definition" to emphasize a clear and final explanation of a term or concept, as in: "The definitive definition of 'sustainability' encompasses environmental, social, and economic dimensions."

What can I say instead of "definitive definition"?

You can use alternatives like "precise definition", "clear definition", or "exact definition" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "definitive definition" or "definite definition"?

"Definitive definition" is the phrase that emphasizes a final and authoritative explanation. "Definite definition" isn't a commonly used phrase, as "definite" typically describes something certain or clear, not a formal explanation.

Is "definitive definition" redundant?

While some may view "definitive definition" as slightly redundant, it can be used for emphasis when you want to highlight that a particular definition is the most authoritative or conclusive one available.