Certainly
/ˈsɜːrtnli/
adverbBeginner🔥Very CommonAffirmation
1 meaning2 questions
Definitions
1
Used to express agreement or confirmation without any doubt.
/ˈsɜːrtnli/
adverbneutralBeginner
Affirmation
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."
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
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.
Word Origin
LanguageOld French
Original meaning
"certain"
Base: certain
certainly agreecertainly notcertainly is
Common misspellings
certanlysertanly
Practice
Usage
60%Spoken
40%Written