determinative

adjective

de·​ter·​mi·​na·​tive di-ˈtər-mə-ˌnā-tiv 

-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 made

—S. 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

Decisions in Kyiv and Moscow will ultimately be far more determinative than those made in Berlin, Brussels, or Washington. —Samuel Charap, Foreign Affairs, 5 June 2023

But Davis told me the shape and size of your arch is not as determinative as some people think. —Laura Lancaster, Outdoor Life, 11 Apr. 2024

Numbers are determinative in baseball and politics. —George Skelton, Los Angeles Times, 6 Mar. 2024

But oil is traded on a global market in which the U.S. is a major but by no means determinative player. —Dominic Pino, National Review, 24 Jan. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1655, in the meaning defined above

Legal Definition

determinative

adjective

de·​ter·​mi·​na·​tive di-ˈtər-mə-ˌnā-tiv, -nə-tiv 

: having the power or tendency to determine

a fact determinative of the issue