dispositive

adjective

dis·​pos·​i·​tive di-ˈspä-zə-tiv How to pronounce dispositive (audio)
: directed toward or effecting disposition (as of a case)
dispositive evidence

Examples of dispositive in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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And this Court should not be thrust into a race with the Southern District of Mississippi to decide the critical factual issues that are dispositive of both actions. Audrey Gibbs, USA TODAY, 12 Nov. 2024 Trusted authorities are essential but never dispositive. Cory Franklin, Chicago Tribune, 11 Oct. 2024 These digital platforms have led to a new cultural zeitgeist where country of origin and language are no longer dispositive factors in what audiences choose to watch or listen to. Chris Gallagher, The Hollywood Reporter, 24 Sep. 2024 These latest results are a bit more ambiguous but hardly dispositive. Felix Salmon, Axios, 26 July 2024 See all Example Sentences for dispositive 

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1618, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of dispositive was circa 1618

Dictionary Entries Near dispositive

Cite this Entry

“Dispositive.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dispositive. Accessed 6 Dec. 2024.

Legal Definition

dispositive

adjective
dis·​pos·​i·​tive dis-ˈpä-zə-tiv How to pronounce dispositive (audio)
1
: directed toward or effecting a disposition (as of a case)
an endless variety of dispositive…pretrial motionsRobert 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

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