definitely

en
en
Change language
Translating...
Find language
Español
Spanish
Français
French
Deutsch
German
Português
Portuguese
Русский
Russian
/ˈdefɪnətli/
Add to My Dictionary
In My Dictionary
+1
A way to express certainty, finality, or strong agreement and refusal.
Practice using definitely in conversation until it feels natural

Examples

  • This plan will definitely save time.
  • I definitely left my keys on the table.
  • The film is definitely worth seeing.
  • We should definitely check the figures again.
  • "Do you agree with that claim?" "Definitely not."

Similar words

decisively
unquestionably
certainly
without question
surely
sure
unambiguously
absolutely
yes
absolutely

Meanings

Without doubt

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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."

Similar words

absolutely
certainly
sure
yes
of course
without question

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.

Comments & contributions

Know this word from another angle? Add a correction, a nuance, or a usage note. New posts go public after a quick review.
Posting as a guest · Sign in
No comments yet. Be the first to add one.
Look up word or phrase...