definitively

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "definitively" is correct and usable in written English.
It is an adverb that is used to refer to something that is true or certain beyond doubt. For example: "The court's decision was definitive, and there would be no appeals."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

For one thing, the camera traps definitively proved that the lesula was primarily – and oddly – a ground-dwelling monkey.

The Guardian

"They have been waiting for it for 20 years … But I don't believe they have definitively won the match of democracy and of freedom".

The Guardian

Featuring voice talent including Eddie Redmayne, John Hurt and Jamie Campbell Bower, it will either signal the resuscitation of Thomas the Tank Engine, or definitively shunt him into the buffers.

The Guardian - Film

Italy's top court has definitively cleared Silvio Berlusconi of charges that he paid for sex with an underage dancer and then abused his position as prime minister to cover it up.

The Guardian

Consider, too, the recent record of the party which laughably still calls itself Conservative: David Cameron and George Osborne's claims that there is a "global race" which can somehow be definitively either won or lost, their blithe return to fiscal dogma that was discredited in the 1930s – and, come to think of it, the dire decline of public libraries that has happened on their watch.

The Guardian - Opinion

Evidently, the paper in the picture - although not definitively identified - was either The Nation (a weekly established in 1844) or the Freeman's Journal (a daily founded in 1763).

The Guardian

If they can stack wardrobes in front of their goal at Wembley and definitively get rid of the notion of this being England's golden generation, that would be a service that would leave many with smiles.

The Guardian - Sport

An Italian prosecutor has asked the nation's highest court to definitively condemn Amanda Knox and her former boyfriend Raffaele Sollecito for the murder of British university student Meredith Kercher, saying the pair undoubtedly played a role in her brutal death in 2007.

The Guardian

We need to establish definitively what's behind this huge waste of competent, employable women.

The Guardian

What's it like when you're out for the last time, back in the dressing room, finally, definitively, flush up against the beginning of the rest of your life?

The Guardian - Sport

"Most of the projects are funded by grants from donors, but since last year we have partnered with financial institutions who are providing loans to pay for future sanitation projects," says Ebrahim. "This came after we definitively proved that the projects are bankable, profitable and scalable".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "definitively" to strengthen your claims when you have solid evidence or a strong basis for your statement. It conveys a sense of finality and leaves little room for doubt.

Common error

Avoid using "definitively" too frequently in your writing. Overuse can make your writing sound overly assertive or even aggressive, especially when the situation might not warrant such a strong declaration.

Linguistic Context

The adverb "definitively" functions to modify verbs, adverbs, or adjectives by adding emphasis to the certainty and finality of an action or state. As Ludwig demonstrates, it strengthens claims by expressing something is conclusive.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Formal & Business

16%

Science

16%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "definitively" is a grammatically sound adverb used to express certainty and finality. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. It's frequently found in news and media, with a slightly formal tone. When employing "definitively", consider the strength of your evidence to avoid overstating your claims. Alternatives like "without a doubt" or "beyond question" can provide similar emphasis. Remember, according to Ludwig, the goal is clear and convincing communication without appearing overly assertive.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

without a doubt

This alternative uses a prepositional phrase to emphasize the lack of uncertainty.

beyond question

This alternative employs a prepositional phrase to convey that something is not open to debate.

unquestionably

This alternative uses an adverb to highlight the indisputable nature of something.

incontestably

This alternative employs an adverb to emphasize that something cannot be disputed.

absolutely

This alternative uses a single adverb to express complete certainty.

categorically

This alternative highlights the absence of any conditions or exceptions.

decisively

This alternative stresses that a decision or outcome is final and cannot be altered.

conclusively

This alternative underscores the presentation of enough evidence to prove something beyond doubt.

with certainty

This alternative employs a prepositional phrase to indicate a high level of confidence or assurance.

irrefutably

This alternative stresses that something cannot be disproved or argued against.

FAQs

How can I use "definitively" in a sentence?

Use "definitively" to indicate that something is certain and beyond doubt. For example, "The investigation "definitively" proved his innocence."

What words are similar to "definitively"?

Synonyms include "absolutely", "certainly", and "unquestionably". These words all convey a sense of certainty and finality.

Is it appropriate to use "definitively" in formal writing?

Yes, "definitively" is suitable for formal writing when you need to express a high degree of certainty based on evidence or established facts.

What is the difference between "definitively" and "definitely"?

"Definitively" implies a conclusive and final resolution, while "definitely" simply means without doubt or question. "Definitively" suggests a stronger and more decisive confirmation.