Word
definitive
Phoneticsde·fin·i·tive, stress on the second syllable
US/dɪˈfɪnɪtɪv/
UK/dɪfˈɪnɪtˌɪv/
Definitions
01authoritative and complete
B2 · Upper Intermediate
adj. the best and most complete version of something that everyone trusts.
adj. providing a firm conclusion or being the most authoritative of its kind.
“This is the definitive book on the history of jazz.”
“Scholars consider this biography to be the definitive account of the poet's life, as it incorporates previously undiscovered letters and journals.”
Usage
often used to describe books, biographies, or studies.
Teaching tip
Learners often confuse this with 'definite'. While 'definite' means certain, 'definitive' means it is the final, highest-quality version.
Synonyms
Antonyms
02final and decisive
B2 · Upper Intermediate
adj. a final decision or answer that ends all doubt or talking.
adj. conclusive and final; bringing an end to a process or debate.
“The court gave a definitive ruling on the case yesterday.”
“The laboratory results provided definitive proof that the water supply had been contaminated by industrial runoff.”
Synonyms
Antonyms
03standard postage stamp
C2 · Proficiency Countable noun Technical
n. a regular stamp used for everyday mail, not a special one for a holiday.
n. a postage stamp issued as part of a regular series for indefinite use, rather than a commemorative issue.
“He added a common definitive to his stamp collection.”
“While commemorative stamps attract casual collectors, serious philatelists often focus on the subtle plate variations found in long-running definitives.”
Usage
usually used by collectors or postal workers.
Synonyms
Antonyms
04limiting word
C2 · Proficiency Countable noun Science Technical · Academic
n. a word like 'the' or 'this' that points to a specific thing.
n. a word, such as a definite article or demonstrative, that serves to define or limit the reference of a noun.
“The teacher explained how a definitive helps identify a specific noun.”
“The linguist argued that the definitive functions as a functional head within the noun phrase structure.”
Usage
used in formal linguistic analysis.
Teaching tip
In modern grammar, these are more commonly referred to as 'determiners'.
Synonyms
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “definitive” in context.
Adjective
01. definitive answer
“Scientists are still working to provide a definitive answer to the cause of the phenomenon.”
adj + noun
Real-World Examples
“Now, new data from NASA's Hubble Space Telescope show definitive evidence of a dwarf galaxy merging with the young Milky Way in the earliest phases of its evolution.” “This means there is no definitive list of symptoms or treatments available to those worried they may be addicted.” Etymology
From Middle French définitif.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
ADJECTIVE
ADVERB
Domain
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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QR code
englishreference.com/q/definitive