definitive meaning: definition, etymology and quotations

definitive

adj

UK /dɪˈfɪn.ɪ.tɪv/ · AU, CA, US /dɪˈfɪn.ə.tɪv/

Etymology From Middle French définitif.

explicitly defined

determining finally, conclusive, decisive

definitive vote
She will have the definitive say in the matter, after consulting her board of directors.

definite, authoritative and complete

A strict and definitive truth.1650, Thomas Browne, Pseudodoxia Epidemica: […], 2nd edition, London: […] A[braham] Miller, for Edw[ard] Dod and Nath[aniel] Ekins, […], →OCLC:
Some definitive […] scheme of reconciliation.1838, William H[ickling] Prescott, History of the Reign of Ferdinand and Isabella, the Catholic. […], volume (please specify |volume=I to III), Boston, Mass.: American Stationers’ Company; John B. Russell, →OCLC:

limiting; determining

Hobbies, Lifestyle, Philately general, not issued for commemorative purposes

Obsolete Determined; resolved.

Never crave him. We are definitive.c. 1603–1604 (date written), William Shakespeare, “Measure for Measure”, in Mr. William Shakespeares Comedies, Histories, & Tragedies […] (First Folio), London: […] Isaac Iaggard, and Ed[ward] Blount, published 1623, →OCLC, [Act V, scene i], line 424:

Derived terms: definitive agreement, definitive description, definitive host, definitively, definitiveness, definitive treatment, nondefinitive

noun

Etymology From Middle French définitif.

Grammar, Human sciences, Linguistics, Sciences a word, such as a definite article or demonstrative pronoun, that defines or limits something

Hobbies, Lifestyle, Philately an ordinary postage stamp that is part of a series of all denominations or is reprinted as needed to meet demand