non-definitive
|non-de-fin-i-tive|
/nɒn-dɪˈfɪnɪtɪv/
(definitive)
decisive conclusion
Etymology
'non-definitive' originates from the prefix 'non-' meaning 'not' and the word 'definitive' from Latin 'definitivus', where 'definire' meant 'to set bounds or limits'.
'definitivus' transformed into the French word 'définitif', and eventually became the modern English word 'definitive'. The prefix 'non-' was added to form 'non-definitive'.
Initially, 'definitive' meant 'to set bounds or limits', but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'conclusive'. 'Non-definitive' retains the negation of this meaning.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Adjective 1
not providing a final or conclusive answer or result.
The results of the study were non-definitive, requiring further research.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Last updated: 2025/01/11 11:41