Definite vs Definitive: What’s the Difference?

These two adjectives have related but different meanings. Both concern “nailing things down”—to use an English metaphor. As you may know, finite means “limited” and both words are about limiting definitions.

Definite means “certain, unambiguous, clear, specific, decisive”:

You should make a definite plan, or you may waste time.

I need a definite answer, yes or no, by tonight!

Definitive has several meanings, all quite abstract. The first meaning is the same as definite, but even stronger:

I will not be happy until my team has a definitive win.

The second meaning of definitive is “authoritative” or “defining”; it describes something, almost always a text, which speaks authoritatively on its subject:

She wrote a definitive textbook on quantum mechanics.

The third meaning of definitive describes anything which is an ultimate example of what it is—something which defines its own category, by example:

Ted Bundy was a definitive serial killer in America.

The Lord of the Rings is the definitive fantasy-adventure story.

Definitive has several other minor uses, describing organs (of the body) when they are fully developed, and stamps (for “snail-mail”) that represent the country producing them. These are rare meanings and can be understood, based on the main definitions of definitive.

How to Use "Definite" in a Sentence

Here are more examples of how to use "definite" in a sentence:

1. Jane has a definite plan for her future.
2. We are definitely going to the beach this weekend.
3. The house has been remodeled—definitely by an expert.
4. The definite article "the" is used before singular and plural nouns when the noun is specific or known.
5. This computer definitely needs a new battery.
6. There is no definitive answer to that question.
7. Emily gave me a definite date for when she would be able to start the project.

How to Use "Definitive" in a Sentence

Here are more examples of how to use "definitive" in a sentence:

1. The definitive study on the subject was published in 1996.
2. I need a definitive answer from you before I can proceed.
3. The court's ruling was definitive and set a new precedent.
4. "This is the definitive biography of the poet," said the professor.
5. His definitive performance as Hamlet was well-received by critics.
6. The performance last night was definitive proof that she was the best singer in the troupe.
7. A definitive performance is often used as a benchmark that other performances are measured against.