Definitive ( adjective , noun )

(As an adjective)

Definitive ( adjective )

1. Clearly and explicitly stated or determined; settling an issue; having a clear and permanent meaning.
2. Considered to be the best or most reliable of its kind and unlikely to be improved upon.

Origin:

Late middle english: from old french definitif, -ive, from late latin definitivus, from definit- 'determined', from the verb definire (see define).

Examples:

1. The court's ruling was definitive and put an end to the controversy.
2. This novel is considered a definitive work in the genre of science fiction.
3. His performance was definitive and he proved himself to be a true master of the piano.
4. The definitive answer to the question remains elusive.
5. The photographic record of the event is definitive proof of what happened.

(As a noun)

Definitive ( noun )

1. Clearly and explicitly stated or determined; settling an issue; having a clear and permanent meaning.
2. Considered to be the best or most reliable of its kind and unlikely to be improved upon.

Origin:

Late middle english: from old french definitif, -ive, from late latin definitivus, from definit- 'determined', from the verb definire (see define).

Examples:

1. The court's ruling was definitive and put an end to the controversy.
2. This novel is considered a definitive work in the genre of science fiction.
3. His performance was definitive and he proved himself to be a true master of the piano.
4. The definitive answer to the question remains elusive.
5. The photographic record of the event is definitive proof of what happened.