definitive discussion

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "definitive discussion" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a conversation or analysis that is conclusive or authoritative on a particular topic. Example: "The conference provided a definitive discussion on the impacts of climate change, leaving no room for doubt."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

For the great spelling debate — whisky versus whiskey — please refer to Eric Asimov's definitive discussion, complete with accusations from across the pond.

The New Yorker

As of this writing, Zha's article remains the definitive discussion of the most difficult question facing anyone who runs up against the outer limits of politically tolerable criticism: How can it be worth it?

The New Yorker

Although there was less definitive discussion about restoration of XMPP services, the release of terms and conditions for such access, and the business discussions required for use of the firehose stream of all status messages, the API whitelist gateway should prove sufficient in the short term to restore Track services to Twitter users in time for the first presidential debate on September 26.

TechCrunch

On Friday morning, Erdogan was expected at an event in New York City that was billed as a definitive discussion on the failed coup.

Huffington Post

We present this as a sounding board for ideas and not in any way as a definitive discussion of these issues.

Environmental Health Perspectives

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

Now that the state has laid out its laws and its implementation plans, I think we can have more concrete and definitive discussions with the Department of Justice.

Huffington Post

Until then, each patient must participate in informed decision making about whether and when SNB is to be used as a definitive treatment, with discussion about its absolute risks.

Breast Cancer Research

A definitive treatment.

The Guardian - Tech

France's finance minister, François Baroin, said on Friday that the issue was "not a definitive point of discussion for us," adding that "what matters is what works".

The New York Times

A number of previous studies have examined the associations of circulating sex hormones with known and possible breast cancer risk factors, such as age at menarche, parity, age at first full-term pregnancy, type of menopause, smoking and alcohol, but they have not been large enough to provide definitive results (see Discussion).

British Journal of Cancer

An atheist may want to hear definitive evidence, not a discussion of your life in Christ, but a discussion of Christianity isn't a debate between "science", "intelligent design" and "creationism".

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "definitive discussion" when you want to convey that a topic has been thoroughly explored and a conclusive understanding has been reached. It suggests a sense of finality and authority.

Common error

Avoid using "definitive discussion" if the topic is still open to interpretation or further debate. Ensure the context genuinely supports the idea that the discussion has reached a final, authoritative conclusion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "definitive discussion" functions as a noun phrase, where the adjective "definitive" modifies the noun "discussion". As indicated by Ludwig AI, this phrase is grammatically correct and refers to a conclusive exchange of ideas.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

50%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "definitive discussion" is a grammatically sound and useful phrase that indicates a conclusive and authoritative exploration of a topic. While not extremely common, as confirmed by Ludwig AI, its use is appropriate in both news media and scientific contexts. The phrase suggests that a final understanding or conclusion has been reached through dialogue or analysis. If you are seeking alternative phrases, consider options like "conclusive debate" or "comprehensive analysis", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey. Remember to use "definitive discussion" only when the context genuinely supports the idea that the discussion has reached a final, authoritative conclusion.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

definitive conclusion

This alternative focuses on the outcome or resolution reached through discussion.

conclusive debate

This alternative replaces "discussion" with "debate", implying a more structured and potentially adversarial exchange.

ultimate consensus

This stresses the aspect of agreement and shared understanding emerging from a discussion.

comprehensive analysis

This phrase shifts the focus from dialogue to a thorough and complete examination of a topic.

decisive conversation

This alternative changes the tone to emphasize the impact and importance of the exchange.

authoritative deliberation

This alternative uses more formal language and suggests a careful and considered process of decision-making.

thorough exploration

This suggests a detailed and exhaustive investigation of a subject, rather than a conversational exchange.

complete assessment

This shifts focus to a comprehensive evaluation, potentially involving various inputs besides discussion.

detailed inquiry

This emphasizes the investigative nature of the interaction, potentially involving questioning and exploration.

final word

This phrase implies a concluding statement or decision, rather than a discussion.

FAQs

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

You can use "definitive discussion" to describe a conversation or analysis that is conclusive or authoritative on a particular topic. For example: "The conference provided a "definitive discussion" on the impacts of climate change, leaving no room for doubt."

What phrases are similar to "definitive discussion"?

Similar phrases include "conclusive debate", "comprehensive analysis", or "authoritative deliberation", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "definitive discussion" too formal for casual conversation?

While "definitive discussion" isn't inherently overly formal, it's more suited for contexts where a thorough and conclusive examination of a topic is being described. In more casual settings, simpler terms like "thorough conversation" or "final decision" might be more appropriate.

What is the difference between "definitive discussion" and "preliminary discussion"?

A "definitive discussion" implies a conclusive and authoritative exchange of ideas, whereas a "preliminary discussion" is an initial exploration of a topic, often leading to further investigation or debate. They represent opposite ends of the discussion spectrum.