definitivelyadv.
/dɪˈfɪnɪtɪvli/ In a definitive manner.† 2. metaphorical. So as to have a definite position, but not take up space: see definitive adj. 3. Obsolete.
1. So as to decide or settle the matter; decisively, conclusively, finally, definitely.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > attention and judgement > testing > proof, demonstration > [adverb] > conclusively
definitively1532
concludentlya1575
demonstrativelya1591
demonstrably1616
concludingly1640
decisively1643
deictically1659
conclusively1749
decidedly1779
critically1857
crucially1879
1532–3 Act 24 Hen. VIII c. 12 §2 All causes testamentarie..shall be..finallye and diffinitiuely adiudged and determined within the Kynges iurisdiction.
1639 R. Gentilis tr. P. Sarpi Hist. Inquisition 6 Contumacious persons shall be banished, either definitively, or for a time.
1659 J. Milton Civil Power in Wks. (1847) 415/1 No man, no synod, no session..can judge definitively the sense of Scripture to another man's conscience.
1753 J. Hanway Hist. Acct. Brit. Trade Caspian Sea I. xlii. 290 I desired he would tell me definitively what number of men he would give me for a guard.
1856 J. A. Froude Hist. Eng. (1858) I. ii. 132 Henry..definitively breaking the Spanish alliance, formed a league with Francis I.
1871 J. S. Blackie Four Phases Morals i. 55 To settle definitively that much-vexed question.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > mental capacity > philosophy > metaphysics > [adverb] > having a position but not occupying space
definitively1529
1529 T. More Dialogue Heresyes ii, in Wks. 188/1 Though thei be not cyrcumscribed in place..yet are thei and angels also diffinitively so placed where thei be for the time.
1624 N. De Lawne tr. P. Du Moulin Elements Logick 27 The Philosophers..say that Bodies are in a place circumscriptively, and Soules definitively; because Soules are not limited or circumscribed by place, and yet a man may say..that they are here, or there, and not els-where.
1711 tr. S. Werenfels Disc. Logomachys 96.
This entry has not yet been fully updated (first published 1894; most recently modified version published online June 2018).
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adv.1529