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

Read More: Why Food Chemicals Are a Problem—And How to Reduce Your Exposure That’s not to say genes are entirely dispositive; having genes associated with the condition does not mean a child will inevitably develop it. —Jeffrey Kluger, Time, 18 Apr. 2025

The simple fact that American technology companies are some of the largest companies in the world and thus will necessarily see larger levies is not dispositive of some sort of anti-American bias. —Andrew Leahey, Forbes, 24 Feb. 2025

That dispositive plan may have comported with husband’s wishes. —Martin Shenkman, Forbes, 20 Feb. 2025

The results will be the same in terms of the estate tax and dispositive scheme implications as in the above example, but now, whatever is inherited will face a capital gains tax on sale. —Martin Shenkman, Forbes, 20 Feb. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1618, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for dispositive

• causative
• positive
• electropositive
• seropositive

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