definitely
DEHF-ih-niht-lee
Definitely (adv) means Without any doubt; certainly. Example: “If you get the chance to visit the coast, you should definitely go.”
adv
1
Without any doubt; certainly.
"She said she wasn't coming, definitely."
"If you get the chance to visit the coast, you should definitely go."
"I will definitely be there by six."
"That is definitely the best pizza in town."
"Joe definitely doesn't know how to drive a tractor."
How to use definitely
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA stronger, more certain way of saying "yes" or "for sure."
When to use it
Very common in speech; in formal writing, plainer alternatives like "certainly" or simply stating the fact are often preferred.
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Word forms
- Comparative
- more definitely
- Superlative
- most definitely
Fill the gap
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If you get the chance to visit the coast, you should _____ go.
Etymology
From "definite" + the adverb-forming suffix "-ly."
Synonyms
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certainly
absolutely
surely
undoubtedly
without doubt
for sure
unquestionably
emphatically
decidedly
by all means
positively
Related words
Rhymes for definitely
See all rhymes for definitely →Frequently asked questions
What does “definitely” mean?
The word “definitely” means without any doubt; certainly. In plain terms, a stronger, more certain way of saying "yes" or "for sure.".
How do you pronounce “definitely”?
“Definitely” is pronounced DEHF-ih-niht-lee (/ˈdɛf.ɪ.nɪt.li/ in IPA).
How do you use “definitely” in a sentence?
Here is “definitely” used in a sentence: “I will definitely be there by six.”
What is another word for “definitely”?
Words with a similar meaning to “definitely” include by all means and positively.
What part of speech is “definitely”?
“Definitely” is an adverb.
Is “definitely” a common word?
“Definitely” is a very common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
What is the difference between definitely and defiantly?
They look similar but are unrelated. Definitely means without doubt or certainly — I'll definitely be there. Defiantly means in a bold, resistant way, from defiance — she stared defiantly. Mixing them up is a common typo, so it is worth checking which one the sentence really needs.
What is the difference between definitely and definitively?
Definitely means certainly or without doubt, expressing how sure the speaker is. Definitively means conclusively or finally, in a way that settles a matter — the study definitively proved it. You are definitely sure of something; a decision or answer is definitively final.
Is definitely a strong word?
Yes. Definitely expresses total certainty with no room for doubt, making it stronger than probably, likely, or maybe. Because it is so emphatic, overusing it can weaken its force, but a single definitely is one of the clearest ways in English to signal a firm yes.
What is the opposite of definitely?
The clearest opposites are maybe, possibly, perhaps, and probably, which all express doubt rather than certainty. Stronger negatives include definitely not, never, or by no means. In short, anything that softens or reverses a firm yes stands as the opposite of definitely.
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