What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
dispositive
Example
The judge issued a dispositive ruling in favor of the plaintiff. [dispositive: adjective]
Example
The dispositive clause in the contract stated that either party could terminate the agreement with written notice. [dispositive: adjective]
final
Example
The final verdict was announced after weeks of deliberation. [final: adjective]
Example
I submitted the final draft of my essay to my professor. [final: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Final is more commonly used than dispositive in everyday language and has a wider range of applications. Dispositive is a more specialized term used primarily in legal contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between dispositive and final?
Dispositive is a more formal term used in legal contexts, while final is more versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.