Words / C1

di-FIN-uh-tiv/dɪˈfɪnətɪv/

Definitive means final and authoritative: the definitive biography, a definitive answer. Definite means clear or certain (“a definite yes”) — shorter, different. Final is everyday; authoritative is close. A definitive edition is the one scholars treat as standard. Do not use definitive as a louder synonym of definite.

Meaning

Final and complete; accepted as the best or most authoritative version.

Examples

• “This is still the definitive biography of the poet.”
• “Until the papers are opened, no account can be definitive.”
• “A definite date is in the diary; a definitive history of the firm does not yet exist.”

Good to know

Final / the authoritative version. Mix-up: definite (clear/certain). Everyday: final. Not a stylish “definite”.

Near in meaning

authoritative

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