The difference between definite and definitive (grammar lesson)


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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.

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.

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