definite and definitive - the difference

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DEFINITE / DEFINITIVE

 
Definite means known for certain.  Definitive means conclusive.
 


Definite

The adjective definite means 'known for certain' or 'precise'.

Examples:

Is it definite that the plane has left?

I can't make sense of your invoices. I need to know the definite amount.

Definitive

The adjective definitive means 'conclusive' or 'authoritative'. 

Examples:

This is the definitive paper on the company's holdings.

Was that the judge's definitive verdict?
DEFINITELY NOT DEFINATE 

There is no such word as definate, which is a very common misspelling of definite.  Definately does not exist either.
Associated lessons:
 
What are adjectives?
What are verbs?
List of easily confused words
 
 

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