Definition of dispositive
:directed toward or effecting disposition (as of a case)
- dispositive evidence
-
Trending Now:
More Trending:
- dotage, dotard otherwise federalism bodega carceral
- ALL
What's Trending Now
More Trending Words
Explore Merriam-Webster
Recent Examples of dispositive from the Web
-
But conservatives should spare a moment to give some consideration to the merits — which are real but not dispositive — of the other side of the argument.
-
So Obergefell is relevant to Masterpiece Cakeshop, but not dispositive.
-
Whatever else might be said about the process today, excellence plainly is no longer the dispositive virtue.
-
Whatever else might be said about the process today, excellence plainly is no longer the dispositive virtue.
-
Pleasing Kennedy is wise but not dispositive, as lawyers at the court like to say.
-
Fernyhough’s protocols go some way toward working around this difficulty, though the results can’t be considered dispositive.
These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'dispositive.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
First Known Use of dispositive
circa 1618
Other Legal Terms
Law Dictionary
dispositive
play
adjective
dis·pos·i·tive
\
dis-ˈpä-zə-tiv
\
legal Definition of dispositive
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
Learn More about dispositive
Seen and Heard
What made you want to look up dispositive? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).
Writing? Check your grammar now!