definitive explanation

USAGE SUMMARY

"definitive explanation" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to refer to a clear or complete explanation of something. For example: "The professor gave the class a definitive explanation on the causes of the war."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

There's no definitive explanation.

The New York Times - Books

No definitive explanation for it exists.

The New York Times

He has no definitive explanation for writing only one book.

The New York Times

The definitive explanation for this catastrophe has yet to be written.

The New York Times

Still, it was the second locker that perhaps provided a more definitive explanation of itself.

The New York Times

There is still no definitive explanation for why knees break down, but there are ways to delay deterioration.

The New York Times - Health

The group's experts have just released some preliminary findings, but a definitive explanation is probably weeks off.

The Economist

The truth is that no one predicted America's great crime decline, and no one has a definitive explanation for it.

The Economist

The commission is hoping that the report will serve as a definitive explanation of the origins of the crisis.

The New York Times

No one — not Professors Autor and Wasserman or anyone else — has a definitive explanation for the gender differences in outcomes.

The New York Times

What the authors are unable to deliver is a definitive explanation as to why Lee amassed that huge, unauthorized computer archive.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When seeking to provide a "definitive explanation", ensure your sources are credible and your reasoning is logical and well-supported. Avoid ambiguity and address potential counterarguments to strengthen your explanation.

Common error

Avoid presenting a correlation as a "definitive explanation" without sufficient evidence of causation. Ensure that the relationship between factors is clearly established, rather than merely assumed.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "definitive explanation" functions as a noun phrase that typically acts as the object of a verb (e.g., provide, offer, seek) or as a complement. It refers to a comprehensive and conclusive explanation. Ludwig shows numerous examples of its use across diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

40%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Academia

2%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "definitive explanation" is a commonly used noun phrase that denotes a clear, complete, and conclusive explanation. Ludwig's analysis shows that it is grammatically correct and appears frequently in news, media, and scientific contexts. While suitable for neutral to formal registers, providing a truly "definitive explanation" requires thorough evidence and logical reasoning to avoid misrepresenting correlations as causations. Alternative phrases include "authoritative explanation", "specific explanation", and "clear explanation", each offering slightly different nuances.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

conclusive explanation

Indicates that the explanation brings a matter to a definite end, leaving no room for doubt.

authoritative explanation

Emphasizes the credibility and expertise behind the explanation.

ultimate explanation

Suggests that it is the most fundamental or comprehensive explanation.

final explanation

Suggests that no further explanations are needed or will be provided.

categorical explanation

Implies an explanation without exceptions or conditions.

specific explanation

Highlights the detailed and precise nature of the explanation.

clear explanation

Focuses on the understandability and lack of ambiguity in the explanation.

precise explanation

Highlights accuracy and exactness in the details provided.

exact reason

Shifts the focus to the pinpoint accuracy of the reason behind something.

detailed account

Replaces explanation with account to suggest a thorough exposition.

FAQs

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

You can use "definitive explanation" to describe a clear and complete reason for something. For example: "The scientist provided a "definitive explanation" for the phenomenon."

What's a good alternative to "definitive explanation"?

Alternatives include "authoritative explanation", "specific explanation", or "clear explanation", depending on the context.

Is it always possible to provide a "definitive explanation"?

No, in some cases, especially in complex or uncertain situations, providing a "definitive explanation" may not be possible due to incomplete information or multiple contributing factors.

What makes an explanation "definitive"?

A "definitive explanation" is characterized by its clarity, completeness, and ability to resolve any doubts or ambiguities surrounding the issue. It leaves little room for further questioning.