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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Some people argue that the outcome disenfranchises the California residents whose votes should have been determinative. Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 5 Nov. 2024 Research continually demonstrates that candidate gender is not a primary predictor of vote choice, instead showing consistently party as a more determinative factor. Kelly Dittmar, Forbes, 30 Oct. 2024 Those vote shares could be small but determinative in an election likely to be decided on the margins. Ashley Lopez, NPR, 25 Sep. 2024 However, the upcoming national elections could be determinative of the bill’s fate. Adam S. Minsky, Forbes, 23 Sep. 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

Dictionary Entries Near determinative

Cite this Entry

“Determinative.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/determinative. Accessed 26 Nov. 2024.

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

More from Merriam-Webster on determinative

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