Definitive
/dɪˈfɪn.ɪ.tɪv/noun
Conclusive and final; serving to define or specify.
Did you know?The word 'definitive' is linked to the concept of determining one's fate, echoing the ancient belief that definitions hold power over reality.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*dʰe-
“to set, to put, to place, signifying a foundational act of establishing.”
Latin
Latin
definitus
“finished, limited, set apart; referring to something that has been clearly defined or determined.”
Old French
Old French
definitif
“determined, decisive; used in legal and philosophical texts to imply a finality in decisions.”
Early Modern English
English
definitif
“pertaining to definitions; reflecting the quality of being final or conclusive.”
Modern English
English
definitive
“final and conclusive; serving to define or limit, particularly in discourse.”
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