dispositive

adjective

dis·​pos·​i·​tive di-ˈspä-zə-tiv 

: directed toward or effecting disposition (as of a case)

dispositive evidence

Examples of dispositive in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Trusted authorities are essential but never dispositive. —Cory Franklin, Chicago Tribune, 11 Oct. 2024

These digital platforms have led to a new cultural zeitgeist where country of origin and language are no longer dispositive factors in what audiences choose to watch or listen to. —Chris Gallagher, The Hollywood Reporter, 24 Sep. 2024

These latest results are a bit more ambiguous but hardly dispositive. —Felix Salmon, Axios, 26 July 2024

Those who were waiting on the sidelines for the next game served as a jury, although their verdict wasn’t necessarily dispositive. —Ross Andersen, The Atlantic, 13 June 2024

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1618, in the meaning defined above

Legal Definition

dispositive

adjective

dis·​pos·​i·​tive dis-ˈpä-zə-tiv 

1

: directed toward or effecting a disposition (as of a case)

an endless variety of dispositive…pretrial motions

—Robert Shaw-Meadow

2

: relating to a disposition of property

dispositive words in a will

3

: providing a final resolution (as of an issue) : having control over an outcome

dispositive of the question