definitive reply

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "definitive reply" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to indicate a final or conclusive response to a question or issue. Example: "After much consideration, we have reached a definitive reply regarding the project timeline."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

Boulez's definitive reply was a 45-minute work, aptly named Répons, which depended heavily on Ircam's electronic resources.

The Guardian - Music

And when she was asked, "Will you take this man?" a guttural "Oh, yeah!" was her definitive reply.

The New York Times - Style

He offered a similar caveat minutes earlier when asked about Ms. Donohue's status, but followed it with a far more definitive reply.

The New York Times

Has the art become narrower, or am I losing something?" He gives no definitive reply but allows that he seems to have been more drawn to the photography than the painting -- even though a painting got first prize.

The New York Times

To the sceptic who asks, "Who says that individuals have these rights?" the argument of experience about the minimum required for a chance of human flourishing, and the vividly recent history of circumstances in which millions were regarded as not having any such rights, is a definitive reply.

The Guardian - Opinion

We acknowledge that we have no definitive reply to the argument that the apparent direct transitions between the B and M peaks of our distributions seem to require an open-to-closed conformational switch in the tetramer [26].

Plosone

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

And giving clear definitive answer in reply of this, to say that what we want, what we desire for is a new Malaysia, is supremacy for all Malaysians".

Wikipedia

The definitive Gallican reply came in 1594 with Pierre Pithou's Les Libertés de l'église gallicane ("Liberties of the Gallican Church"), which reiterated the basic tenets of Gallican doctrine: that the pope had no temporal authority in France and no more spiritual power than that bestowed on him by such conciliar decisions as the monarchy chose to recognize.

Encyclopedia Britannica

It has no definitive answer.

The New York Times

Not definitive, just definite.

The New York Times

Asked whether the city was under a terrorist attack, he replied: "We're not being definitive about this right now, but you can reach your own conclusions based on what happened".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "definitive reply" when you want to emphasize that the answer provided is final and leaves no room for further discussion or doubt. This implies a high degree of certainty and authority.

Common error

Avoid using "definitive reply" in informal settings where a less formal phrase like "final answer" or "that's it" would be more appropriate. The formality of "definitive reply" can sound stilted in casual conversation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "definitive reply" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where "definitive" modifies "reply" to indicate a final and conclusive response. This is supported by Ludwig AI, which identifies the phrase as grammatically correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

63%

Science

25%

Wiki

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "definitive reply" is a grammatically sound and usable expression that conveys a sense of finality and conclusiveness. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, this phrase is suitable for formal contexts, as evidenced by its presence in news articles, scientific publications, and formal documents. While "definitive reply" may be less common in casual conversation, it's an effective way to communicate a firm and authoritative response. Alternatives like "final answer" or "conclusive answer" may be more appropriate in informal settings. When aiming for clarity and certainty, "definitive reply" serves as a potent tool for expressing a resolute and decisive answer.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

definitive answer

Omits 'reply' but retains the conclusive meaning.

final answer

Replaces 'definitive' with 'final', implying a concluding response.

conclusive answer

Emphasizes the resolving nature of the answer.

decisive response

Highlights the concluding nature of the answer.

categorical response

Highlights the unambiguous nature of the answer.

unequivocal answer

Stresses the clear and direct nature of the answer.

absolute response

Indicates a firm and unwavering answer.

authoritative answer

Emphasizes the reliability and expertise behind the answer.

settled response

Indicates the end of deliberation.

ultimate response

Suggests the final and unchangeable nature of the answer.

FAQs

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

You can use "definitive reply" to indicate a final and conclusive answer to a question or issue. For example, "After much consideration, we have reached a "definitive reply" regarding the project timeline."

What are some alternatives to "definitive reply"?

You can use alternatives like "final answer", "conclusive answer", or "categorical response" depending on the context.

Is "definitive reply" too formal for everyday conversation?

While grammatically correct, "definitive reply" leans toward the formal side. For everyday conversation, consider using "final answer" or "that's it".

When is it appropriate to use "definitive reply" over "definitive answer"?

"Definitive reply" is best when you want to emphasize that the answer is a direct response to a specific question or request. "Definitive answer", on the other hand, can be used more broadly to indicate a conclusive resolution.