Master confusing words with ease
Definite vs. Definitive
Definite
/ˈdefɪnət/Examples:
The great thing is that we've made a definite decision."Can not you give us something more definite to go upon?'It had no definite organization, officers or abode.
Synonyms:
Antonyms:
Definitive
/dɪˈfɪnətɪv/Examples:
The study provides definitive proof of the theory.Her decision was definitive and unchanging.He issued a definitive statement on the matter.
Synonyms:
Antonyms:
Ways to tell them apart:
- Definite is related to certainty and being clear with no doubt, whereas definitive suggests something that is ultimate or considered the most complete.
- Think of definite as being about something being sure or certain, like a definite answer to a question or a definite plan.
- Meanwhile, definitive is like the last word on a subject — think of a definitive guide or a definitive edition of a book.
- Use definite when you want to express clarity and certainty.
- Use definitive when you want to express something as the best or most authoritative.
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