kənˈklüs]iv, ]ēv also -üz] or ]əv adjective
Etymology: Late Latin conclusivus, from Latin conclusus + -ivus -ive
: belonging to a close or termination: as
a. : forming an end or termination
b. : putting an end to debate or question especially by reason of irrefutability : involving a conclusion or decision : decisive , final
conclusive evidence
a conclusive presumption
Synonyms:
decisive , determinative , definitive : applied most frequently to evidence or reasoning, conclusive means so irrefutable as to end all uncertainty or question
a very persuasive if not a conclusive argument — John Marshall
the wisdom of the new rule was so manifest that it was accepted as a conclusive precedent — Frederick Pollock
the evidence in the two poems which makes it conclusive that one is derived from the other — Amy Lowell
Applied to events or influences, decisive indicates that which settles controversy or ends uncertainty
my words had been decisive. At least they had put an end to the discussion — Jack London
he acted that brief period as commander-in-chief, but took no decisive steps towards settling the various problems confronting him — Stanley Pargellis
determinative applies to decisions, causes, or influences serving to establish a fixed character or definite goal
an appeal covering similar merchandise is pending … which will be determinative of this issue — U.S. Treasury Decisions
definitive , opposed to tentative or provisional, applies to something final, something obviating further dispute, investigation, or doubt
it is not my purpose to try to offer any definitive answers to the questions involved … Publishing is now in a very problematical state — J.T.Farrell
he is ineffably happy over the triumph of his principles and the definitive acceptance of his political philosophy — C.G.Bowers