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definitively

definitively

42 4.1
Says or does something in a clear and final way that leaves no doubt
  • adverb
  • /dɪˈfɪnɪtɪvli/
translation icon : definitivamente
  • She stated definitively that her decision was final and that there would be no further discussions.
  • definitively answer
  • definitively resolve
  • definitively prove

Doesn't mean he's right, but I also couldn't definitively say he's all wrong.

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Examples

  • Based on this fracture pattern in the skull, I think we can definitively say no.

  • Ms. Cabrera has decided, definitively, not to renounce the inheritance.

  • Well, I'm here to tell you that definitively, yes, we do know.

  • Here he aims to show definitively how gold and other rare elements are created in the universe.

  • A line has definitively been crossed.

  • On the flip side, are there foods that can definitively prevent cancer?

    Academic text (2015)
  • Further research is required to definitively explain the observed reduction in cigarette consumption.

    Academic text (2012)
  • This is after the World Health Organization reviewed over 800 studies definitively linking processed meat to cancer.

  • I think we can definitively say right now corn and oats are stronger than wheat and rice.

  • The observational nature of our study limits our ability to comment definitively on causal relationships.

    Academic text (2012)

Synonyms

absolutely
vsdefinitively
1.0

Completely and without any doubt

focuses more on clear final outcome rather than sheer totality
clearly
vsdefinitively
1.0

In a way that leaves no doubt

conveys additional final closure beyond simply removing doubt
once and for all
vsdefinitively
179 3.9

To end a problem completely so it never happens again

emphasizes clear and final form rather than the act of settling
explicitly
vsdefinitively
146 3.9

A person uses clear, direct words so there is no doubt

adds a sense of final decision rather than only directness
emphatically
vsdefinitively
38 5.5

In a strong, definite way that shows no doubt

is more about clear finality than about strong delivery or force
unequivocally
vsdefinitively
  • Formal
37 6.9

In a clear way that leaves no doubt

adds the sense of final closure beyond mere lack of doubt
categorically
vsdefinitively
35 6.5

In a clear, certain way without any doubt

is more about achieving a clear final result rather than tone
decisively
vsdefinitively
29 3.7

In a firm way that ends doubt and settles the matter

stresses clear finality rather than showing personal firmness
conclusively
vsdefinitively
27 3.9

In a way that proves something and leaves no doubt

focuses on clear finality rather than just presenting proof
patently
vsdefinitively
25 5.6

Clearly easy to see or understand

adds a final, conclusive quality beyond being plainly obvious
unmistakably
vsdefinitively
13 4.1

In a very clear way that people cannot mistake

focuses more on ending doubt finally rather than mere clarity
manifestly
vsdefinitively
  • Formal
9 5.6

In a way that is very clear to everyone

adds finality and closure beyond simple obviousness
unambiguously
vsdefinitively
9 5.5

Clearly so people understand it in only one way

adds final closure to that clarity rather than only removing ambiguity
inarguably
vsdefinitively
3 6.8

Clearly true and cannot be denied

focuses more on being clearly final than on argument impossibility
unarguably
vsdefinitively
1 6.1

It is clearly true and cannot be doubted

puts more weight on clear final outcome than on dispute avoidance
incontestably
vsdefinitively
  • Formal
1 7.7

In a way nobody can doubt

adds a stronger sense of final closure to that lack of dispute
undisputedly
vsdefinitively
1 5.8

Clearly and without any doubt

adds a sense of decisive finality beyond simply being undisputed
unqualifiedly
vsdefinitively
  • Formal
7.8

Completely and without any doubt

is more about clear final ending than lack of reservations

Antonyms

3 6.7

In a way that can have more than one meaning

How Conclusive

conclusively
27 3.9
definitively
42 4.1
clearly
1.0
cautiously
70 2.3
tentatively
30 5.1

Surface Forms

definitively positive

Morphology

definitively = definitive (transparent) = definitive + ly

Standard adjectival-to-adverbial formation from 'definitive' + -ly yields the meaning 'in a conclusive manner'.

Etymology

The word definitively comes from the parts de- and finis, where de- suggests 'completely' and finis means 'end', the same root you see in finish and final. So to do something definitively is to make it complete and final, leaving no doubt.