definitive
- 01 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.
Simple“This is the definitive book on the history of jazz.”
In context“Scholars consider this biography to be the definitive account of the poet's life, as it incorporates previously undiscovered letters and journals.”
Usageoften used to describe books, biographies, or studies.
Teacher's tipLearners often confuse this with 'definite'. While 'definite' means certain, 'definitive' means it is the final, highest-quality version.
SynonymsAntonyms - 02 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.
Simple“The court gave a definitive ruling on the case yesterday.”
In context“The laboratory results provided definitive proof that the water supply had been contaminated by industrial runoff.”
SynonymsAntonyms - 03 C2 Proficiency
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.
Simple“He added a common definitive to his stamp collection.”
In context“While commemorative stamps attract casual collectors, serious philatelists often focus on the subtle plate variations found in long-running definitives.”
Usageusually used by collectors or postal workers.
Synonymsstandard issueAntonyms - 04 C2 Proficiency
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.
Simple“The teacher explained how a definitive helps identify a specific noun.”
In context“The linguist argued that the definitive functions as a functional head within the noun phrase structure.”
Usageused in formal linguistic analysis.
Teacher's tipIn modern grammar, these are more commonly referred to as 'determiners'.
Synonymsdeterminer
Usage definitive answer
“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.”
From Middle French définitif.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.