determinative

adjective

de·​ter·​mi·​na·​tive di-ˈtər-mə-ˌnā-tiv How to pronounce determinative (audio)
-ˈtər-mə-nə-
: having power or tendency to determine : tending to fix, settle, or define something
regard experiments as determinative of the principles from which deductions could be madeS. F. Mason
determinative noun
Choose the Right Synonym for determinative

conclusive, decisive, determinative, definitive mean bringing to an end.

conclusive applies to reasoning or logical proof that puts an end to debate or questioning.

conclusive evidence

decisive may apply to something that ends a controversy, a contest, or any uncertainty.

a decisive battle

determinative adds an implication of giving a fixed character or direction.

the determinative factor in the court's decision

definitive applies to what is put forth as final and permanent.

the definitive biography

Examples of determinative in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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In light of these myriad factors — several of which are outcome determinative in my view — California is the very last place where a sweepstakes casino operator should want to test the legality of its business model in court. Daniel Wallach, Forbes, 25 Feb. 2025 Writing for the majority, Sotomayor said the jury's assessment of Sneed's credibility was determinative. Melissa Quinn, CBS News, 25 Feb. 2025 Elon Musk's embrace of Donald Trump is poised to have a determinative effect on the Tesla, SpaceX and X boss' empire. Nathan Bomey, Axios, 16 July 2024 Former manufacturing towns are unpredictable and could be the most determinative places in the state. Tribune News Service, Boston Herald, 15 Oct. 2024 See All Example Sentences for determinative

Word History

First Known Use

1655, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of determinative was in 1655

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Cite this Entry

“Determinative.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/determinative. Accessed 13 Mar. 2025.

Legal Definition

determinative

adjective
de·​ter·​mi·​na·​tive di-ˈtər-mə-ˌnā-tiv, -nə-tiv How to pronounce determinative (audio)
: having the power or tendency to determine
a fact determinative of the issue

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