- definite, definitive
- Definite means precise and unmistakable. Definitive means final and conclusive. A definite offer is a clear one; a definitive offer is one that permits of no haggling
Dictionary of troublesome word. Bill Bryson. 2013.
definite, definitive
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definite, definitive — Definite means precise and unmistakable. Definitive means final and conclusive. A definite offer is a clear one; a definitive offer is one that permits of no haggling … Dictionary of troublesome word
definite, definitive — These words apply to that which is clearly set forth and explained, but definitive also has a meaning of final, total, or complete : The time of his arrival is definite. This is a definitive life of the author … Dictionary of problem words and expressions
definite — 1 Definite, definitive are sometimes confused. What is definite (see also EXPLICIT) has limits so clearly fixed or defined or so unambiguously stated that there can be no doubt concerning the scope or the meaning of something so qualified {he has … New Dictionary of Synonyms
definite — definite, definitely have useful roles as emphasizing words, and should not be dismissed too readily as superfluous: • His expression was bland, unreadable, but there was a definite glint in his eye that made her pulse begin to race E. Richmond,… … Modern English usage
definitive — definite, definitive both refer to things that are said or written. Definite means ‘clear and distinct’, (as in definite advantage, improvement, possibility, etc.) whereas definitive means ‘decisive, unconditional, final’ and normally refers to… … Modern English usage
definite — See definite, definitive … Dictionary of problem words and expressions
definitive — See definite, definitive … Dictionary of problem words and expressions
Definite — Def i*nite, a. [L. definitis, p. p. of definire: cf. F. d[ e]fini. See {Define}.] 1. Having certain or distinct; determinate in extent or greatness; limited; fixed; as, definite dimensions; a definite measure; a definite period or interval. [1913 … The Collaborative International Dictionary of English
Definite article — Definite Def i*nite, a. [L. definitis, p. p. of definire: cf. F. d[ e]fini. See {Define}.] 1. Having certain or distinct; determinate in extent or greatness; limited; fixed; as, definite dimensions; a definite measure; a definite period or… … The Collaborative International Dictionary of English
Definite inflorescence — Definite Def i*nite, a. [L. definitis, p. p. of definire: cf. F. d[ e]fini. See {Define}.] 1. Having certain or distinct; determinate in extent or greatness; limited; fixed; as, definite dimensions; a definite measure; a definite period or… … The Collaborative International Dictionary of English
