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Definite and Definitive

Definite and Definitive

Writers sometimes confuse definite and definitive because their meanings are close and they look similar. However, there is a clear distinction between the two words.

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?

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