Word Confusion: Definite versus Definitive

Posted June 28, 2022 by Kathy Davie in Author Resources, Self-Editing, Word Confusions, Writing

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Just two letters separate definite vs definitive, and these two words have fairly similar meanings. Both are defined as exact, except . . .

Definite is exact and clear — in one’s own mind, e.g., “George has a definite belief that two and two are five”. O…k…a…y . . .

Definitive is the most complete, satisfying all criteria, most authoritative, e.g., “although some critics found a few definite weak spots in the author’s interpretations, his book was nonetheless widely regarded as the definitive history of the war” or a Supreme Court ruling is a definitive decision that carries the stamp of authority or is a benchmark for the future.

It is a common error to use definitive as though it were a more elegant way of saying definite, so be careful with this one. Readers may think it’s not truly the final answer if you use definite when you mean definitive.

You may want to check out “Defiant versus Definite” as well.

Word Confusions . . .

. . . started as my way of dealing with a professional frustration with properly spelled words that were out of context in manuscripts I was editing as well as books I was reviewing. It evolved into a sharing of information with y’all. I’m hoping you’ll share with us words that have been a bête noir for you from either end.

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Definite	Definitive
Baby Rose Potatoes by Julia Balbilla under the CC BY 4.0 license, via Cookipedoa.co.uk. — Yep, it’s definite. They’re potatoes.	The Beach Boys – The Definitive Album by Piano Piano! is under the CC BY 2.0 license, via Flickr.
Part of Grammar:
Adjective	Adjective; Noun Plural for the noun: definitives
Clearly stated or decided Not vague or doubtful Clearly true or real Unambiguous [Predic.; of a person] Certain or sure about something Clear or undeniable (used for emphasis) Having exact and discernible physical limits or form	Adjective: [Of a conclusion or agreement] Done or reached decisively and with authority [Of a book or other text] The most authoritative of its kind [Of a postage stamp] For general use and typically of standard design, not special or commemorative Serving to define, fix, or specify definitely Having its fixed and final form Providing a solution or final answer Satisfying all criteria [Biology] Fully differentiated or developed A definitive organ Noun: [Philately] A definitive postage stamp [Grammar] A defining or limiting word, such as an article, a demonstrative, or the like that defines or limits something
Examples:
I’m planning on some definite distinctions between the two. But Dymbel knows his subject, and he’s absolutely definite — it’s not a Beatle. Muir never asked himself those questions, but it is clear that a definite change occurred. As a rule it will not be waged in a definite military-geographic area. He demanded a definite answer. The plant had a definite inflorescence.	Adjective: It was a definitive diagnosis. He had written the definitive biography of Harry Truman. The question was clarified with a definitive statement. Paul had the definitive collection of the band’s album. It was the definitive treatment for an infection. We needed a definitive answer to a dilemma. It’s obviously a definitive organ. This review includes definitive and commemorative stamp types with some exceptions. Noun: Low-value British definitives simply have a portrait of the reigning monarch. The monarch, flag, maple leaf, and Parliament Building definitives are not included in this study. This is the answer. No, that’s Mary’s purse. Pick a that flower.
Derivatives:
Adverb: definitely Noun: definiteness	Adjective: nondefinitive Adverb: definitively Noun: definitiveness, nondefinitiveness
History of the Word:
Mid-16th century from the Latin definitus meaning defined or set within limits and a past participle of definire.	Late Middle English from the Old French definitif + -ive, from the Latin definitivus, from definit- meaning set within limits, bring to an end, from the verb definire.

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C’mon, get it out of your system, bitch, whine, moan . . . which words are your pet peeves? Also, please note that I try to be as accurate as I can, but mistakes happen or I miss something. Email me if you find errors, so I can fix them . . . and we’ll all benefit!

Satisfy your curiosity about other Word Confusions on its homepage or more generally explore the index of self-editing posts. You may also want to explore Book Layout & Formatting Ideas, Formatting Tips, Grammar Explanations, Linguistics, Publishing Tips, the Properly Punctuated, Writing Ideas and Resources, and Working Your Website.

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