definitive response

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "definitive response" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when you want to indicate a clear, final, and authoritative answer to a question or issue. Example: "After reviewing all the evidence, the committee provided a definitive response regarding the policy changes."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

"I didn't give him a definitive response.

The New York Times

It has yet to receive a single definitive response.

The New York Times

Boggs promised to call back with an definitive response.

The Guardian - Tech

Or got a definitive response from the Dane.

The Guardian - Sport

His next film would therefore be his definitive response to the Europeans.

The Guardian - Film

Though I asked for a definitive response on this latest suggestion, I've not heard back.

The Guardian - Tech

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

5 human-written examples

Faife reached out to 28 cryptocurrency news sites and received 22 definitive responses.

TechCrunch

That prospect might puzzle many thoughtful and earnest observers who believe definitive scientific findings should yield equally definitive responses.

Environmental Health Perspectives

Asked if he would still be racing in a year, Miller would not give a definitive answer — a familiar Miller response.

The New York Times - Sports

A more definitive Russian response to the proposal may come then.

The New York Times

And Arthur Miller can rest easy — it's not going to displace "The Crucible" as the definitive theatrical response to McCarthyism.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "definitive response" when you want to convey a sense of finality and clarity in an answer, decision, or reaction. Ensure the context aligns with the implication that no further discussion or changes are expected.

Common error

Avoid using "definitive response" in very casual or informal settings, as it can sound overly formal or stiff. Simpler terms like "final answer" or "yes/no" might be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "definitive response" primarily functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a verb (e.g., give, receive, issue). As seen in Ludwig, it refers to an answer or reaction that is clear, final, and leaves no room for ambiguity.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "definitive response" is a commonly used phrase that indicates a clear, final, and authoritative answer or reaction. Ludwig AI confirms that it is grammatically correct and usable in written English. It appears most frequently in news, science, and formal business contexts. While effective in conveying certainty and resolution, it should be used judiciously in informal settings, where simpler language might be more appropriate. Related phrases include "conclusive answer" and "categorical reply", which offer similar but nuanced meanings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

conclusive answer

Emphasizes the finality and lack of ambiguity in the answer.

categorical reply

Highlights the absence of conditions or exceptions in the reply.

unambiguous answer

Focuses on the clarity and lack of potential for misinterpretation in the answer.

clear cut response

Suggests a straightforward and easily understood reaction.

explicit reply

Implies that the reply is direct, detailed, and leaves nothing to implication.

authoritative answer

Indicates that the answer comes from a credible and knowledgeable source.

final decision

Implies a final and unchangeable decision.

settled conclusion

Emphasizes that the matter has been fully resolved and agreed upon.

certain acknowledgement

Highlights the certainty and confirmation involved in the response.

decisive action

Shifts the focus to a firm and impactful action taken as a response.

FAQs

How to use "definitive response" in a sentence?

You can use "definitive response" to describe an answer that is clear, final, and leaves no room for doubt. For example, "The company issued a "definitive response" to the allegations, denying any wrongdoing."

What can I say instead of "definitive response"?

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

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

"Definitive response" is the correct and more commonly used phrase. "Definite response" is less frequent and may not convey the same sense of finality and clarity.

What's the difference between "definitive response" and "decisive action"?

"Definitive response" refers to a clear and final answer or statement. "Decisive action" refers to a firm and impactful action taken to resolve an issue or achieve a goal.