dispositive

USAGE SUMMARY

'dispositive' is a word used in written English.
It is an adjective that means tending to determine the outcome of something, typically a legal case or dispute. For example: "The dispositive evidence submitted to the court was decisive in the ruling of the case."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

All I can say is that it sounds plausible to me, but that others are much better placed to render a dispositive judgment.

The Economist

It seems that the only thing that would have counted as dispositive evidence of Cassandra's maturity, of her capacity to withhold consent, was a willingness to grant it.

The Economist

The use of race must be minimal enough that it does not serve a dispositive role in the admissions calculus, but it must be powerful enough that it achieves its aims of ushering greater diversity into the student body.

The Economist

This is hardly dispositive evidence that Mr Perry is lying.

The Economist

Mr Carney then offered a rejoinder, which I consider dispositive.

The Economist

Its rank-ordering of senses is certainly not intended to be legally dispositive, so that the first sense listed can be used by judges across the ocean to enforce contracts or put people in prison.

The Economist

(Worse, actually: there's no dispositive evidence that pixies don't exist).In order to believe that Republicans would not have used the nuclear option or ended the filibuster as soon as it serves their political ends, you have to think there is some sort of internal brake on the Republican Party's legislative behaviour.

The Economist

Is this dispositive?

The Economist

Overall considers it dispositive: "A simplistic utilitarianism is wrong about the ethics of having children".

The New York Times

But the dispositive fact of Camp David is this: Barak made an offer, and Arafat walked out without making a counter-offer.

The New Yorker

First, her lawyer said that in the same call she repeated her story; second, I'm not sure that what a woman would say to calm down an allegedly criminal boyfriend is all that dispositive; and the conversation was in what the official told the Times was a "unique dialect of Fulani," obscure enough that it had taken prosecutor until this week to get a translation.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "dispositive", ensure the context clearly indicates what matter is being settled or resolved. For example, specify "dispositive evidence" or "dispositive factor" to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "dispositive" when something is merely influential but not ultimately conclusive. "Dispositive" implies a final resolution, not just a contributing factor.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "dispositive" is as an adjective. It modifies nouns to indicate that something has the quality of being decisive or conclusive. Ludwig shows many examples where "dispositive" modifies nouns like "evidence", "factor", and "fact".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "dispositive" functions as an adjective to denote something decisive or conclusive, often in formal settings such as legal or academic discussions. As Ludwig AI indicates, it's grammatically correct and frequently used. When writing, ensure that "dispositive" accurately reflects a final resolution, not just an influential factor. While alternatives like "conclusive" and "decisive" exist, "dispositive" carries a specific weight in emphasizing the settlement of a matter. It is very common, especially in News & Media.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

conclusive

Similar in meaning, but focuses more on ending doubt or uncertainty.

decisive

Emphasizes the act of making a firm decision or determination.

definitive

Implies a final and authoritative resolution, leaving no room for further debate.

determinative

Highlights the role of establishing or defining the outcome.

resolving

Focuses on the action of solving or settling an issue.

settling

Emphasizes the act of bringing something to a state of resolution or agreement.

critical

Points to the vital importance of a factor in determining an outcome.

key

Suggests a crucial element without necessarily being the sole deciding factor.

pivotal

Indicates a turning point or a central element influencing an outcome.

instrumental

Highlights its function as a crucial instrument or means to achieving a result.

FAQs

How can I use "dispositive" in a sentence?

Use "dispositive" to describe evidence, factors, or arguments that are conclusive or decisive in resolving a matter. For example, "The "conclusive evidence" presented was dispositive in the court's decision".

What's a good alternative to "dispositive"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "conclusive", "decisive", or "definitive".

What does "dispositive" mean in a legal context?

In law, "dispositive" refers to something that effectively resolves an issue or claim. A dispositive motion, for instance, is one that, if granted, would end the case.

Is it correct to say "almost dispositive"?

While understandable, "almost dispositive" can be seen as contradictory because "dispositive" implies a complete resolution. It's better to use terms like "nearly conclusive" or "highly influential" in such cases.