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Discussion Groups / English Usage / February 2010Definitive v. Final
I know the difference between the two concepts["definitive" and "final"] To prove that I've done my homework I submit the dictionary entries. My question is on usage. Is "definitive" still in use, notwithstanding its archaic sound? Or is it "final" preferable where the meaning of "definitive" and "final" overlap? Main Entry: definitive Function: adjective Etymology: Middle English diffinityf, from Anglo-French diffinitive, from Latin definitivus, from definitus Date: 14th century Results 1. 1serving to provide a final solution or to end a situation - a ∼ victory 2. 2authoritative and apparently exhaustive - a ∼ edition 3 a. 3 aserving to define or specify precisely - ∼ lawsb. bserving as a perfect example : quintessential - a ∼ bourgeois 4. 4fully differentiated or developed - a ∼ organ 5. 5of a postage stampissued as a regular stamp for the country or territory in which it is to be used- Synonym - see conclusive Related Forms 1. de·fin·i·tive·ly adverb 2. de·fin·i·tive·ness noun Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary copyright © 2009 by Merriam-Webster, incorporated and Main Entry: final \ Function: adjective Etymology: Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Latin finalis, from finis boundary, end Date: 14th century Results 1 a. 1 anot to be altered or undone - all sales are ∼b. bof or relating to a concluding court action or proceeding - ∼ decree 2. 2coming at the end : being the last in a series, process, or progress - the ∼ chapter 3. 3of or relating to the ultimate purpose or result of a process - our ∼ goal- Synonym - see last Related Forms 1. fi·nal·ly!fI-n/ul-E \ ˈfī-nəl-ē, ˈfīn-lē \ adverb Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary copyright © 2009 by Merriam-Webster, incorporated > I know the difference between the two concepts["definitive" and > "final"] To prove that I've done my homework I submit the dictionary > entries. My question is on usage. Is "definitive" still in use, > notwithstanding its archaic sound? Or is it "final" preferable where > the meaning of "definitive" and "final" overlap? I can't see any reason to lose either of them: they are not synonyms.  SignatureDavid > I know the difference between the two concepts["definitive" and > "final"] To prove that I've done my homework I submit the dictionary [quoted text clipped - 52 lines] > Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary copyright © 2009 by Merriam-Webster, > incorporated Both are still in common use. I think I would use 'definitive' rather than 'final' in the sense of 'certain' - although the meanings do overlap. So I'd talk about "a definitive diagnosis" or "a definitive answer to the question" but "the final exam" or "the final student in the line-up to be interviewed". Although mostly I'm using "final" to mean "last in a group or list", I frequently see "All sales are final", which is a standard phrase. "All sales are definitive" would just sound silly. I could say "a final diagnosis", but to me, that implies the last of a series of diagnoses. "A definitive diagnosis" is not just the last of a list, but one that's probably correct, because someone has considered the evidence of the cause of the illness very carefully. I use them both, and I use them slightly differently. SignatureCheryl Cheryl filted: >Both are still in common use. I think I would use 'definitive' rather >than 'final' in the sense of 'certain' - although the meanings do overlap. Is that your definitive answer?...r SignatureA pessimist sees the glass as half empty. An optometrist asks whether you see the glass more full like this?...or like this? > Cheryl filted: >> Both are still in common use. I think I would use 'definitive' rather >> than 'final' in the sense of 'certain' - although the meanings do overlap. > > Is that your definitive answer?...r No, I'm far too inclined to second thoughts and lack of complete knowledge to provide either final or definitive answers. SignatureCheryl >I know the difference between the two concepts["definitive" and >"final"] To prove that I've done my homework I submit the dictionary >entries. My question is on usage. Is "definitive" still in use, >notwithstanding its archaic sound? Or is it "final" preferable where >the meaning of "definitive" and "final" overlap? Can you give an example or two to show where they overlap? I understand them as meaning different things. SignatureSteve Hayes from Tshwane, South Africa Web: http://hayesfam.bravehost.com/stevesig.htm Blog: http://methodius.blogspot.com E-mail - see web page, or parse: shayes at dunelm full stop org full stop uk > On Sun, 14 Feb 2010 09:23:56 -0800 (PST), Arcadian Rises > [quoted text clipped - 6 lines] > > Can you give an example or two to show where they overlap? "This order will become definitive [final] after 30 days from the date of this hearing provided no party will appeal it". Somehow "definitive" didn't sound right to my ears, hence my query. >> On Sun, 14 Feb 2010 09:23:56 -0800 (PST), Arcadian Rises >> [quoted text clipped - 10 lines] >of this hearing provided no party will appeal it". Somehow >"definitive" didn't sound right to my ears, hence my query. Doesn't sound right to my ears either. It looks like legal jargon to me. Perhaps Bob Lieblich will comment. If the order became final within 30 days, it would have been definitive from the ste of the hearing. SignatureSteve Hayes from Tshwane, South Africa Web: http://hayesfam.bravehost.com/stevesig.htm Blog: http://methodius.blogspot.com E-mail - see web page, or parse: shayes at dunelm full stop org full stop uk |
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