definitive
Meaning: Decisive and with authority; conclusive and final, or the most authoritative of its kind.
Definitive is often confused with 'definite,' but they differ in emphasis. While 'definite' means clear or certain, 'definitive' implies the highest authority or finality. A definitive answer settles a question once and for all; a definitive biography is considered the most authoritative account of someone's life. It frequently collocates with 'guide,' 'edition,' 'answer,' 'proof,' and 'version.'
Examples
- The court's ruling was definitive, leaving no room for further appeals. 法院的裁决是最终的,不留任何进一步上诉的余地。La sentencia del tribunal fue definitiva y no dejó margen para más recursos.裁判所の判決は最終的なものであり、さらなる上訴の余地を残しませんでした。법원의 판결은 최종적이었으며, 추가 항소의 여지를 남기지 않았다.
- Her biography of Virginia Woolf is widely regarded as the definitive account of the author's life. 她所著的弗吉尼亚·伍尔夫传记被广泛认为是关于该作家生平的最权威记述。Su biografía de Virginia Woolf está ampliamente considerada como el relato definitivo de la vida de la autora.彼女のヴァージニア・ウルフの伝記は、同作家の生涯に関する決定版として広く認められています。그녀의 버지니아 울프 전기는 그 작가의 생애에 관한 결정판으로 널리 인정받고 있다.
- Scientists have yet to find definitive proof that the treatment is effective in all patient groups. 科学家们尚未找到该治疗方法对所有患者群体均有效的确凿证据。Los científicos aún no han hallado pruebas definitivas de que el tratamiento sea eficaz en todos los grupos de pacientes.科学者たちは、その治療法がすべての患者群に有効であるという決定的な証拠をまだ見つけていません。과학자들은 그 치료법이 모든 환자군에서 효과적이라는 결정적 증거를 아직 찾지 못했다.
Pronunciation
Usage Guide
Context: academic, professional, media
Tone: neutral
Origin & History
From Old French definitif, from Latin definitivus (explanatory, definitive), from definire (to limit, determine). It entered English in the 14th century, initially in legal and philosophical contexts.
Cultural Context
Era: Modern
Generation: All ages
Social background: Universal
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