Word
definitively
Phoneticsdefini·tive·ly
US/dɪˈfɪnɪtɪvɫi/
UK/dɪfˈɪnɪtˌɪvli/
Adverb of manner
Definition
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.
Examples
“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.”
Examples
simple
“The test results definitively prove he is innocent.”
contextual
“After years of debate, the new evidence definitively settled the question of the building's age.”
complex
“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.”
Usage
Typically placed before the main verb or at the end of the clause to provide emphasis on the finality of an action.
Pitfall
He is definitely better than her
He is definitively better than her
Learners often confuse 'definitely' (certainly) with 'definitively' (conclusively/finally). Use 'definitively' when an action provides a final, authoritative conclusion.
Real-World Examples
“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.” Etymology
From definitive + -ly.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
ADJECTIVE
ADVERB
- 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
- Occasional
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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