Definative vs. Definitive: The Correct Spellings

Between "definative" and "definitive," the latter is the correct spelling. "Definitive" is derived from the Latin word "definitivus," meaning "defining, determining." It conveys the idea of finality, clarity, and decisiveness. On the other hand, "definative" is a misspelling, possibly arising from confusion with words like "definable."

For those struggling to remember the correct spelling, thinking of the word "define" can help. From "define," simply add "itive" to remember "definitive."

While "definitive" is the adjective form, "definition" is a related noun that represents the meaning or clarity of something. The adverbial form is "definitively."

Incorrect: She made a definative choice about her career path.

Correct: She made a definitive choice about her career path.

Incorrect: The court's ruling was seen as the definative judgment on the matter.

Correct: The court's ruling was seen as the definitive judgment on the matter.

Incorrect: The dictionary gives a definative explanation of the word.

Correct: The dictionary gives a definitive explanation of the word.

Incorrect: His role in the project was very definative.

Correct: His role in the project was very definitive.

Incorrect: The research paper provided a definative answer to the question.

Correct: The research paper provided a definitive answer to the question.

Authoritative and apparently exhaustive.

Most reliable or complete, as of a text, author, criticism, study, or the like.

Clearly defined or determined; not vague or general.

Serving to define, fix, or specify definitely.

Conclusive or final.

Serving to define or identify as distinct from others

Supplying or being a final settlement or decision; conclusive

Authoritative and complete

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

definite, authoritative and complete

limiting; determining

(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.

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;

of recognized authority or excellence;

supplying or being a final or conclusive settlement;

After much debate, the committee reached a definitive decision on the policy.

The teacher's guide offers definitive answers to the textbook's exercises.

The encyclopedia provided a definitive history of the American Civil War.

Her latest novel is seen as the definitive work on the complexities of modern love.

The documentary aims to be the definitive account of the environmental crisis.

The DNA test gave us definitive proof of the suspect's innocence.

The Supreme Court's ruling provided a definitive interpretation of the law.

He wrote the definitive biography of the famous poet.

This study is the definitive guide to the region's indigenous plants.

The article presents a definitive comparison of the two theories.

The experiment's results were definitive and beyond dispute.

Her response was definitive, leaving no room for further questions.

The museum's exhibit is the definitive collection of the artist's early works.

Scientists are seeking a definitive answer to the cause of the disease.

The research provides a definitive analysis of the economic trends.

The book is the definitive reference for experts in the field.

That statement was the definitive answer we've been waiting for.

His performance was the definitive interpretation of the character.

The manual serves as the definitive source of information on the software.

The list is the definitive ranking of the year's best movies.

The lecture provided a definitive overview of the philosophical concept.

The guidelines are the definitive standard for ethical conduct in the profession.

The critic's review is considered the definitive opinion on the new film.

The map offers a definitive layout of the ancient city.

The treaty was a definitive step toward peace in the region.

"Definitive" often refers to something that is clear, decisive, and not open to further discussion.

"Definitive" comes from the Latin word "definitivus," meaning "defining, determining."

The spelling "definative" might arise from confusion with words like "definable."

Yes, both words share a similar root, with "define" meaning to state or describe the nature or essential qualities of something.

Generally, yes. "Definitive" usually denotes a sense of finality or clear determination.

While both imply clarity or finality, "definitive" often refers to authoritative clarity, whereas "decisive" often denotes making decisions quickly and effectively.

"Definitive" is the correct spelling, while "definative" is incorrect.

Yes, "definitive" can refer to the most reliable or authoritative source on a subject.

The adverb form of "definitive" is "definitively."

One can think of the word "define" and then add "itive" to remember "definitive."