Definitely

/ˈdɛfɪnətli/

adverbBeginner🔥Very CommonCertainty
1 meaning1 idiom/phrase3 questions

Definitions

1

Without any doubt or question; certainly.

/ˈdɛfɪnətli/

adverbpositiveBeginner
Certainty

Without any doubt; certainly.

She will definitely pass the exam if she studies.

💡 Simply: It's like saying 'for sure' or 'absolutely!' If you're definitely going to the movies, it means you're 100% going, no question about it.

👶 For kids: It means 'yes, for sure!' If you say you will definitely eat your broccoli, it means you will.

More Examples

2

The new policies will definitely impact the company.

3

I am definitely going to buy that car.

How It's Used

General conversation

"I will definitely attend the party."

Formal writing

"The results definitively demonstrate the efficacy of the treatment."

Business

"The project is definitely on track for completion."

Synonyms & Antonyms

Idioms & expressions

Definitely not

Used to strongly negate something.

"Are you going to the party? Definitely not!"

From Latin 'definitus', past participle of 'definire' meaning 'to limit, define'. Influenced by the adjective 'definite'.

The word's usage has evolved from more formal and precise contexts to widespread use in everyday conversations.

Memory tip

Think of 'definite' meaning clear and certain. Adding '-ly' makes it an adverb, meaning something is done in a certain way.

Word Origin

LanguageLatin
Original meaning

"to limit, define"

definitely notdefinitely willdefinitely shoulddefinitely needdefinitely know

Common misspellings

definatelydefinatlydefinitley

Usage

70%Spoken
30%Written