Certainly
/ˈsɜːrtnli/
adverbBeginnerVery CommonLegal
Meaning
Questions
Definitions
1
Used to express agreement or confirmation without any doubt.
/ˈsɜːrtnli/
adverbneutralBeginner
Legal
Without a doubt; definitely.
Certainly, I'll be there.
💡 Simply: It's like saying 'yes' but in a more polite and confident way. Like if someone asks, 'Can you help me?' you could say, 'Certainly!' which means 'Yes, definitely!'.
👶 For kids: It means 'yes' and 'for sure'.
More Examples
2
Are you going to the party? Certainly!
How It's Used
Everyday Conversation
"Certainly, I can help you with that."
Formal Communication
"Certainly, sir, I will attend to your request immediately."
From Middle English certeynly, from Old French certeignement, from certain.
The word 'certainly' has been used in English since the Middle English period.
Memory tip
Think of 'certain' and add '-ly' to make it an adverb.
Practice
Base: certain
certanlysertanly
Usage
60%Spoken
40%Written