definitely

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/ˈdefɪnətli/
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A way to express certainty, finality, or strong agreement and refusal.
Practice using this word in conversation

Examples

  • "Do you agree with that claim?" "Definitely not."
  • "Was it worth the wait?" "Definitely."
  • I definitely left my keys on the table.
  • Please tell us definitely whether you can attend.
  • The film is definitely worth seeing.

Similar words

unambiguously
surely
certainly
conclusively
decisively
clearly
decidedly
yes
undoubtedly
unquestionably

Meanings

Without doubt

adverb
everyday
neutral
Used to say that something is certain, true, or strongly expected.

Usage

Use definitely before the main verb, after be, or before an adjective to add clear certainty. It is stronger than probably and less formal than undoubtedly.

Examples

  • I definitely left my keys on the table.
  • She is definitely the right person for the job.
  • This plan will definitely save time.
  • That was definitely not what I expected.
  • The film is definitely worth seeing.
  • We should definitely check the figures again.

Common mistakes

Definately is a spelling error. The middle is -finite-, the same spelling found in definite.
IncorrectCorrect
I will definately call you I will definitely call you
She definitely will not late She definitely will not be late
It probably definitely works It definitely works

Similar words

certainly
surely
undoubtedly
unquestionably
clearly
absolutely
decidedly

In a fixed or final way

adverb
business
neutral
Used to say that a decision, date, answer, or arrangement is settled and not vague or provisional.

Usage

Use definitely with verbs such as decide, fix, settle, state, and answer when the focus is precision or finality.

Examples

  • The date has not been definitely decided yet.
  • Please tell us definitely whether you can attend.
  • The boundaries were definitely marked on the map.
  • Nothing has been definitely agreed so far.
  • The rule was definitely set out in the contract.

Common mistakes

Definitely decided means fixed or settled. Definitely does not by itself mean permanently in every context.
IncorrectCorrect
The meeting is definitely at Tuesday The meeting is definitely on Tuesday
The date has definitely decide The date has definitely been decided
Please answer me definitely Please give me a definite answer

Similar words

precisely
clearly
explicitly
decisively
conclusively
unambiguously

Strong agreement or refusal

adverb
everyday
informal
Used as a short answer to mean a strong yes, or in definitely not to mean a strong no.

Usage

Use definitely as a short spoken answer when agreement is clear and confident. Use definitely not for a firm refusal or disagreement.

Examples

  • "Are you coming tonight?" "Definitely."
  • "Was it worth the wait?" "Definitely."
  • "Should we invite Maya?" "Definitely."
  • "Do you agree with that claim?" "Definitely not."
  • "Would you buy it again?" "Definitely not."

Common mistakes

Defiantly changes the meaning completely. Definitely not is firm refusal, while defiantly not suggests rebellious behavior and usually sounds wrong.
IncorrectCorrect
Defiantly! Definitely!
Definitely no! Definitely not!
I definitely no agree I definitely do not agree

Similar words

absolutely
certainly
sure
yes
of course
without question

Usage

Best used when the claim is truly certain or the answer is deliberately firm. In careful writing, avoid using it to prop up weak evidence.

Common mistakes

Definately loses the spelling link with definite. Confusion with defiantly creates a different word, and definitely not is the natural negative short answer.

Etymology

Formed from definite plus the adverb suffix -ly. Definite comes through Latin definitus, meaning defined, bounded, or limited, from definire, to limit, determine, or explain. The adverb has been used since the late sixteenth century, with the emphatic spoken use becoming especially common much later.

FAQ

What does definitely mean?

It means without doubt, certainly, or in a fixed and clear way.

How do you spell definitely?

The correct spelling is definitely, with finite in the middle. Definately is wrong.

Is definitely the same as probably?

No. Probably leaves some doubt. Definitely says there is no real doubt.

Can definitely be a one-word answer?

Yes. In speech, Definitely! can mean a strong yes.

What does definitely not mean?

Definitely not means a firm no or a strong disagreement.

Is definitely formal?

It is neutral and common in speech and writing. More formal choices include undoubtedly or certainly.

What is the difference between definitely and defiantly?

Definitely means certainly. Defiantly means in a rebellious or resistant way.

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