definitively
adv.in a way that is final and leaves no doubt. You use this when you want to say that a question is answered for good.
adv.in a manner that provides a final solution or conclusion; decisively and without doubt. Often modifies verbs related to proving, deciding, or establishing facts.
“The test results definitively prove he is innocent.”
“After years of debate, the new evidence definitively settled the question of the building's age.”
“While the initial findings were promising, the research team cautioned that more data was required before they could definitively claim to have discovered a cure.”
Typically placed before the main verb or at the end of the clause to provide emphasis on the finality of an action.
Learners often confuse 'definitely' (certainly) with 'definitively' (conclusively/finally). Use 'definitively' when an action provides a final, authoritative conclusion.
“And even if biosignatures were to be definitively confirmed, it would only show that life may exist.”
“More often, your question of interest might not have been answered definitively yet in the medical literature.”
From definitive + -ly.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.