definitive

/dɪˈfɪnɪɾɪv/

/dɪˈfɪnɪtɪv/

Other forms: definitively

A definitive answer is a final one. A definitive decision by a court of law is one that will not be changed. A definitive translation is one everyone turns to as correct. Definitive means authoritative, conclusive, final.

Be careful not to confuse definitive with definite. Definite means clearly defined. You can have a definite opinion that JFK could not have been assassinated by a lone gunman, but the definitive interpretation remains that of the Warren Commission Report, which held there was only one.

Definitions of definitive

1. adjective

   clearly defined or formulated
   synonyms: unequivocal

   explicit, expressed

   precisely and clearly expressed or readily observable; leaving nothing to implication
2. adjective

   of recognized authority or excellence
   “the definitive work on Greece”

   synonyms: authoritative, classic, classical

   standard

   established or well-known or widely recognized as a model of authority or excellence
3. adjective

   supplying or being a final or conclusive settlement
   “a definitive verdict”

   synonyms: determinate

   conclusive

   forming an end or termination; especially putting an end to doubt or question