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1 ADJ If something such as a decision or an arrangement is definite , it is firm and clear, and unlikely to be changed. □  It's too soon to give a definite answer. □  Her Royal Highness has definite views about most things. □  She made no definite plans for her future.

2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Definite evidence or information is true, rather than being someone's opinion or guess. □  We didn't have any definite proof.

3 ADJ [ADJ n] You use definite to emphasize the strength of your opinion or belief. [EMPHASIS ] □  There has already been a definite improvement. □  That's a very definite possibility.

4 ADJ Someone who is definite behaves or talks in a firm, confident way. □  Mary is very definite about this.

de fi|nite a r|ti|cle (definite articles ) N‑COUNT The word 'the' is sometimes called the definite article .

defi|nite|ly ◆◇◇ /de f I n I tli/

1 ADV [ADV before v] You use definitely to emphasize that something is the case, or to emphasize the strength of your intention or opinion. [EMPHASIS ] □  I'm definitely going to get in touch with these people. □  'I think the earlier ones are a lot better.'—'Mm, definitely.'

2 ADV [ADV before v] If something has been definitely decided, the decision will not be changed. □  He told them that no venue had yet been definitely decided. SYNONYMS definitely ADV 1

certainly:The public is certainly getting tired of hearing about it.

clearly:Clearly, the police cannot break the law in order to enforce it.

unquestionably:He is unquestionably a star.

undeniably:Bringing up a baby is undeniably hard work.

defi|ni|tion ◆◇◇ /de f I n I ʃ ^ə n/ (definitions )

1 N‑COUNT A definition is a statement giving the meaning of a word or expression, especially in a dictionary. □ [+ of ] There is no general agreement on a standard definition of intelligence. ● PHRASE If you say that something has a particular quality by definition , you mean that it has this quality simply because of what it is. □  Human perception is highly imperfect and by definition subjective.

2 N‑UNCOUNT Definition is the quality of being clear and distinct. □  The speakers criticised his new programme for lack of definition. SYNONYMS definition NOUN 2

clarity:This remarkable technology provides far greater clarity than conventional x-rays.

sharpness:The telescope shows us our Universe with wonderful sharpness and clarity.

de|fini|tive /d I f I n I t I v/

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Something that is definitive provides a firm conclusion that cannot be questioned. □  No one has come up with a definitive answer as to why this should be so. ●  de|fini|tive|ly ADV □  The Constitution did not definitively rule out divorce.

2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] A definitive book or performance is thought to be the best of its kind that has ever been done or that will ever be done. □  His 'An Orkney Tapestry' is still the definitive book on the islands.

de|flate /d I fle I t/ (deflates , deflating , deflated )

1 VERB If you deflate someone or something, you take away their confidence or make them seem less important. □ [V n] Britain's other hopes of medals were deflated earlier in the day. ●  de|flat|ed ADJ □  When she refused I felt deflated.