definitively different

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "definitively different" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to emphasize a clear and unmistakable distinction between two or more things. Example: "The two proposals are definitively different in their approach to sustainability."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

Suddenly, there was a period in life – exclusively for the teens and twentysomethings – that required an appearance so defiantly, definitively different from how older men and women were expected to dress that, unlike today, it was blissfully safe from their invasion.

The Guardian - Opinion

However, within relatively small catchments (<50 ha), differences in species composition induced by slight changes in elevation coupled with slope orientation, could result in sufficient canopy variability whereby throughfall hydrology would be definitively different across small gradients.

Forest Ecology and Management

Such estimations, the spirit of which is definitively different of that of PMP/PMF (Probable Maximum Precipitation or Flood), enable a rational approach of socio-economic problems linked to hydraulic works design and land use.

Comptes Rendus Geoscience

My experience with local police was definitively different from theirs.

Huffington Post

Definitively different from his other minimal video works, Mandala comprises a kinetic collage that questions the separation between the sacred and the secular.

Vice

In fact, there are no studies investigating the relationship between melancholia and neuropsychological impairment showing a definitively different pattern unrelated to measures of severity.

BMC Psychiatry

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

"It proves definitively that different consumers want different things".

The New York Times

Now, in its latest investigation, the General Accounting Office has found that many clinical trials financed by the National Institutes of Health "were designed to include women, but not in numbers high enough to allow analysis that would definitively measure different outcomes for men and women".

The New York Times

However, prospective randomized trials are necessary to evaluate the benefit of different bypass designs definitively.

Annals of Vascular Surgery

I am particularly interested in advancing reproductive medicine and would love to collaborate on a study that definitively shows the quality impact different types of chemotherapy have on a woman's eggs.

Huffington Post

Definitively benchmarking the performance of different peak calling programs is challenging, since there exists no comprehensive list of all genomic locations bound by the target under the experimental conditions (true positives).

Plosone

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "definitively different", ensure that the context provides clear evidence or justification for the asserted difference. This helps strengthen your claim and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "definitively different" when the contrast is subjective or lacks clear, objective support. Overusing this phrase can weaken its impact and credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "definitively different" functions as an intensifying modifier to emphasize a clear and unmistakable distinction. It indicates that something is not just different, but undeniably so. As supported by Ludwig, it is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

33%

News & Media

50%

Wiki

17%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "definitively different" is a grammatically sound phrase used to emphasize a strong and undeniable contrast. According to Ludwig, the phrase is correct and suitable for use in writing. It appears most frequently in news and scientific contexts, conveying a clear and distinct difference. When employing this phrase, ensure there is concrete evidence to support the claimed difference to avoid overstatement. Consider alternatives such as "categorically distinct" or "unquestionably dissimilar" for nuanced expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

categorically distinct

Replaces "definitively" with "categorically", suggesting a clear, unambiguous separation.

unquestionably dissimilar

Uses "unquestionably" instead of "definitively" and "dissimilar" instead of "different", emphasizing a lack of doubt about the difference.

decidedly unalike

Employs "decidedly" to strengthen the difference, and "unalike" as a substitute for "different".

patently disparate

Replaces both words to suggest a difference that is easily recognizable and obvious.

clearly contrasting

Focuses on the contrast between two things, using a more straightforward vocabulary.

markedly divergent

Indicates a significant deviation or departure, implying a strong degree of difference.

absolutely distinct

Highlights the completeness of the separation or difference.

unmistakably diverse

Uses "unmistakably" to emphasize how obvious the diversity is, and "diverse" to imply variety.

indisputably unique

Shifts focus to the uniqueness of something, which implicitly sets it apart definitively.

plainly dissimilar

Emphasizes that the difference is very easy to perceive.

FAQs

How can I use "definitively different" in a sentence?

Use "definitively different" to emphasize a clear and unmistakable distinction. For example, "The two proposals are "definitively different" in their approach to sustainability".

What are some alternatives to "definitively different"?

You can use alternatives such as "categorically distinct", "unquestionably dissimilar", or "clearly contrasting" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "definitively different"?

It's appropriate when you want to highlight a clear and provable difference between two or more things, leaving no room for doubt or ambiguity.

Is "definitively different" the same as "slightly different"?

No, "definitively different" implies a strong and undeniable contrast, whereas "slightly different" suggests a minor or subtle variation. They are not interchangeable.