Definite vs. Definitive — What's the Difference?

Clearly defined; explicitly precise

(of a conclusion or agreement) done or reached decisively and with authority

Forthright and unambiguous

(of a postage stamp) for general use and typically of standard design, not special or commemorative.

Clearly developed or firmly decided

A definitive postage stamp

Readily distinguished or certain

Serving to define or identify as distinct from others

(Grammar) Limiting or particularizing.

Supplying or being a final settlement or decision; conclusive

Of a fixed number usually less than 20, as certain floral organs, especially stamens.

Authoritative and complete

Cymose; determinate.

Mass produced in indefinite quantities over an indefinite period of time. Used of postage stamps.

Having distinct limits.

(Biology) Fully formed or developed, as an organ or structure.

Free from any doubt.

(Grammar) A word that defines or limits, such as the definite article or a demonstrative pronoun.

Determined; resolved; decided.

A definitive postage stamp.

Explicitly defined

(grammar) A word or phrase that designates a specified or identified person or entity.

Conclusive or decisive

(obsolete) Anything that is defined or determined.

Definite, authoritative and complete

Having certain or distinct; determinate in extent or greatness; limited; fixed; as, definite dimensions; a definite measure; a definite period or interval.

Limiting; determining

Having certain limits in signification; determinate; certain; precise; fixed; exact; clear; as, a definite word, term, or expression.

(philately) general, not issued for commemorative purposes

Determined; resolved.

(obsolete) Determined; resolved.

Serving to define or restrict; limiting; determining; as, the definite article.

(grammar) a word, such as a definite article or demonstrative pronoun, that defines or limits something

A thing defined or determined.

(philately) an ordinary postage stamp that is part of a series of all denominations or is reprinted as needed to meet demand

Precise; explicit and clearly defined;

Determinate; positive; final; conclusive; unconditional; express.

Known for certain;

Limiting; determining; as, a definitive word.

Determined; resolved.

A word used to define or limit the extent of the signification of a common noun, such as the definite article, and some pronouns.

Clearly defined or formulated;

Of recognized authority or excellence;

Supplying or being a final or conclusive settlement;