Definative vs. Definitive: Mastering the Correct Spelling
Edited by Aimie Carlson || By Janet White || Updated on March 13, 2024
"Definative" is an incorrect spelling; the correct spelling is "definitive," which means conclusive or final.
Which is correct: Definative or Definitive
How to spell Definitive?
Definative is Incorrect
Definitive is Correct
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Key Differences
"Definitive" contains the word 'finite,' which is spelled with an 'i.'
Remember that definitive has the same 'tive' ending as 'active' and 'positive.'
It has the same root as "define," so think of "defin-itive."
Pronounce it as "dih-FIN-ih-tiv" to help remember its spelling.
The correct word "definitive" has 'i's surrounding the 'n,' like the word 'infinite.'
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Correct usage of Definitive
The results were not considered definative enough to close the investigation.
The results were not considered definitive enough to close the investigation.
The book was a definative guide on the subject.
The book was a definitive guide on the subject.
He was looking for a definative answer to his question.
He was looking for a definitive answer to his question.
Definitive evidence was hard to come by in the case.
Their victory was not seen as definative by the opposing team.
Their victory was not seen as definitive by the opposing team.
Definitive Definitions
Most complete and accurate.
The definitive edition of the book.
Serving to end an unsettled matter.
The judge's decision was definitive.
Serving to define or specify precisely.
He gave a definitive diagnosis.
Serving to define or identify as distinct from others
"The Enlightenment pushed this project further trying to make science and its hallmark method definitive of the rational life" (Peter Machamer).
Supplying or being a final settlement or decision; conclusive
"The fall of the city Constantine had founded marked the definitive end of the Christian Eastern Empire" (James Carroll).
Authoritative and complete
A definitive biography. See Usage Note at definite.
Mass produced in indefinite quantities over an indefinite period of time. Used of postage stamps.
(Biology) Fully formed or developed, as an organ or structure.
(Grammar) A word that defines or limits, such as the definite article or a demonstrative pronoun.
A definitive postage stamp.
Explicitly defined
Conclusive or decisive
Definitive vote
She will have the definitive say in the matter, after consulting her board of directors.
Definite, authoritative and complete
Limiting; determining
A definitive word
(philately) general, not issued for commemorative purposes
(obsolete) Determined; resolved.
(grammar) a word, such as a definite article or demonstrative pronoun, that defines or limits something
(philately) an ordinary postage stamp that is part of a series of all denominations or is reprinted as needed to meet demand
Determinate; positive; final; conclusive; unconditional; express.
A strict and definitive truth.
Some definitive . . . scheme of reconciliation.
Limiting; determining; as, a definitive word.
Determined; resolved.
A word used to define or limit the extent of the signification of a common noun, such as the definite article, and some pronouns.
Clearly defined or formulated;
The plain and unequivocal language of the laws
Of recognized authority or excellence;
The definitive work on Greece
Classical methods of navigation
Supplying or being a final or conclusive settlement;
A definitive verdict
A determinate answer to the problem
Conclusive or final in nature.
This is the definitive answer to the question.
Authoritative and reliable.
She provided a definitive guide.
Definitive Sentences
The scientist provided a definitive proof of the theory.
They needed a definitive answer before proceeding.
The test results were definitive in diagnosing the condition.
This documentary is the definitive account of the historical event.
His victory in the championship was definitive.
He was the definitive expert in his field.
Her response was a definitive no to the proposal.
The judge's ruling was definitive and final.
The study offers definitive evidence on the matter.
That book is considered the definitive guide to gardening.
She gave a definitive performance that won her the award.
This is the definitive edition of the classic novel.
This is the definitive collection of her works.
This list is the definitive ranking of the year's best movies.
Their win was a definitive moment in the team's history.
The biography is considered definitive by many scholars.
The treaty was a definitive step towards peace.
His statement provided a definitive clarification of the policy.
The results served as a definitive conclusion to the experiment.
The map offers a definitive layout of the ancient city.
Her thesis was a definitive work on the subject.
The critic's review was seen as the definitive judgment on the play.
His speech was a definitive statement of the party's position.
The findings were definitive and left no room for doubt.
The agreement reached was definitive and binding.
Definitive Idioms & Phrases
The definitive guide
The most complete and authoritative book or resource on a particular subject.
Her book is considered the definitive guide to organic gardening.
The definitive answer
The final, conclusive, or best possible answer to a question.
After much debate, the committee provided the definitive answer to the issue.
A definitive victory
A clear, conclusive, and decisive victory.
The team's win was a definitive victory, leaving no doubts about their superiority.
A definitive diagnosis
A final, conclusive medical diagnosis.
After several tests, the doctor was able to make a definitive diagnosis.
The definitive edition
The most complete, accurate, or authoritative version of a text, book, or piece of music.
The publisher released the definitive edition of the novel, including previously unpublished chapters.
A definitive statement
A clear and authoritative statement that leaves no room for ambiguity or doubt.
The president made a definitive statement about the government's stance on the issue.
A definitive list
A list that is considered to be the most accurate and complete.
The museum published a definitive list of all the artists featured in the exhibit.
A definitive conclusion
A final and conclusive end to an argument or discussion.
The research paper ended with a definitive conclusion based on the findings.
FAQs
What is the root word of definitive?
The root word is "define."
What is the verb form of definitive?
There's no verb form; it's an adjective.
Which vowel is used before definitive?
The vowel 'a' as in "a definitive."
Why is it called definitive?
Derived from Latin "definitivus," meaning "limiting, defining."
What is the pronunciation of definitive?
/dɪˈfɪnɪtɪv/ in American English.
What is the plural form of definitive?
Definitives.
Which conjunction is used with definitive?
"And," as in "definitive and conclusive."
Is definitive an abstract noun?
No.
Is definitive a noun or adjective?
Adjective.
What is the singular form of definitive?
Definitive.
Is definitive a vowel or consonant?
Starts with a consonant (D).
Is definitive an adverb?
No.
How do we divide definitive into syllables?
De-fin-i-tive.
What is a stressed syllable in definitive?
The second syllable, "fin."
What is the second form of definitive?
N/A.
Which preposition is used with definitive?
"On," as in "definitive on the subject."
Is definitive a countable noun?
It's not a noun.
Is the word definitive imperative?
No.
How many syllables are in definitive?
4 syllables.
What is the opposite of definitive?
Indefinite.
Which article is used with definitive?
"The," as in "the definitive guide."
Is definitive a negative or positive word?
Generally considered neutral; context-dependent.
What part of speech is definitive?
Adjective.
What is the first form of definitive?
Definitive (it's an adjective, so it doesn't have verb forms).
What is the third form of definitive?
N/A.
Is definitive a collective noun?
No.
Is the term definitive a metaphor?
No.
How is definitive used in a sentence?
"The research paper was definitive in establishing the new theory."
What is another term for definitive?
Conclusive.
Which determiner is used with definitive?
"The," as in "the definitive answer."
About Author
Written by
Janet WhiteJanet White has been an esteemed writer and blogger for Difference Wiki. Holding a Master's degree in Science and Medical Journalism from the prestigious Boston University, she has consistently demonstrated her expertise and passion for her field. When she's not immersed in her work, Janet relishes her time exercising, delving into a good book, and cherishing moments with friends and family.
Edited by
Aimie CarlsonAimie Carlson, holding a master's degree in English literature, is a fervent English language enthusiast. She lends her writing talents to Difference Wiki, a prominent website that specializes in comparisons, offering readers insightful analyses that both captivate and inform.
