definitive
/dɪˈfɪnətɪv/ (bre, ipa) · [dɪfˈɪnɪtɪv] /dɪˈfɪnətɪv/ (ame, ipa) · [dɪfˈɪnɪtɪv] /di-ˈfi-nə-tiv/ (ame, mw)
definitive — adjective
- definitivepositive
- more definitivecomparative
- most definitivesuperlative
1. Settling an issue completely so that no further changes, arguments, or doubts re
Settling an issue completely so that no further changes, arguments, or doubts remain.
The court's definitive decision brought the case to a close after six years.
collocation: definitive decision
Scientists have yet to find definitive evidence of life on other planets.
collocation: definitive evidence
No definitive agreement was reached at the climate meeting in Paris.
The doctor told Yara that the test results were not yet definitive.
Ilan knew the judge's decision was definitive and could not be changed.
- conclusive
Stronger emphasis on proving something beyond doubt; used mainly for evidence or proof
- final
Plainer and more common; simply means no more changes are possible
- decisive
Focuses on ending uncertainty or a contest; used for actions and results
- provisional
Temporary and subject to change
- tentative
Not yet final or certain; open to revision
用法筆記
Frequently used in negative sentences or with words suggesting doubt ('no definitive answer', 'not yet definitive'). Common objects include 'ruling', 'evidence', 'proof', 'answer', 'decision', and 'agreement'.
常見錯誤
2. Considered the most complete, accurate, and reliable example or source of its ki
Considered the most complete, accurate, and reliable example or source of its kind — for example, the definitive guide to a country, or the definitive biography of a famous person.
Her biography is considered the definitive account of the artist's life.
collocation: definitive account
Many chefs regard this cookbook as the definitive guide to Sichuan cuisine.
collocation: definitive guide
The library holds a definitive collection of nineteenth-century Japanese prints.
Nikhil's research paper became the definitive study on coral reef restoration.
Critics called the film the definitive adaptation of the classic novel.
- authoritative
Trusted as a reliable source; slightly more formal than 'definitive'
- classic
Serves as a standard model; often implies timelessness rather than authority
- standard
Widely accepted as the normal reference; less emphatic than 'definitive'
- inferior
Lower in quality or authority
- incomplete
Lacking full coverage or detail
用法筆記
Typically used with nouns for creative or scholarly works: 'guide', 'biography', 'study', 'edition', 'history', 'account', 'collection'. Implies that nothing better exists or is likely to exist.
常見錯誤
3. Expressed or described in a precise, exact way that leaves no room for confusion
Expressed or described in a precise, exact way that leaves no room for confusion or doubt.
The contract contains definitive language about each partner's financial duties.
collocation: definitive language
Jiwoo asked for definitive instructions before starting the lab experiment.
The guidelines offer a definitive definition of research misconduct.
A definitive description of the symptoms helped the doctor make a fast diagnosis.
The treaty established definitive boundaries between the two countries.
用法筆記
Common in formal, technical, or legal contexts where precision matters. Often collocates with 'language', 'definition', 'description', 'terms', 'boundaries', or 'limits'. Distinguish from sense 1: sense 3 emphasises clarity of expression, not finality of outcome.