definitely

[ def-uh-nit-lee ]

adverb

1. in a clear and definite manner; unambiguously.
2. unequivocally; positively.

   Synonyms: certainly, absolutely

interjection

1. (used to express complete agreement or strong affirmation):

   Are you starting your diet tomorrow? Definitely!

definitely

/ ˈdɛfɪnɪtlɪ /

adverb

1. in a definite manner
2. sentence modifier certainly

   he said he was coming, definitely

sentence substitute

1. unquestionably: used to confirm an assumption by a questioner

Word History and Origins

Origin of definitely¹

First recorded in 1575–85; definite + -ly

Synonym Study

See clearly.

Example Sentences

“I was definitely done with football and school,” Amare said sitting in a dark classroom this week.

From Los Angeles Times

By the look of the highlights he sees of Dobbins breaking free from defenders and somersaulting into the end zone, the running back definitely looks to be back to his old self.

From Los Angeles Times

“Feelings of anxiety can be mobilizing, definitely,” he said.

From Los Angeles Times

It definitely wasn’t love at first sight for either of them.

From Los Angeles Times

There was definitely an agreement with myself in my early 20s to just walk into the room with as much of myself as I could possibly walk into the room with.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• absolutely
• clearly
• decidedly
• doubtless
• easily
• finally
• obviously
• plainly
• surely
• undeniably
• unequivocally
• unquestionably

More About Definitely

What does definitely mean?

Definitely is an adverb that usually means certainly or without a doubt. It also has this meaning when it’s used as a single-word response.

Definitely is also sometimes used as an adverb to describe an action as clearly defined or precise. When definitely is used as a single word in response to a question or other statement, it is called an interjection or sentence substitute. When used this way, it is very similar to saying certainly or absolutely.

Example: I will definitely be there tomorrow—I promise.

Where does definitely come from?

Definitely is first recorded in English around the early 1580s. It is a combination of the adjective definite (meaning “clearly defined, precise, exact” or “positive, certain, sure”) and the suffix –ly, which makes adverbs out of adjectives.

Definitely is frequently used to emphasize the certainty of something or reduce uncertainty, as in Don’t worry—you will definitely be OK. 

Definitely is commonly used as an interjection, or sentence substitute, meaning it does in one word what usually takes a whole sentence to do. When someone asks if you’ll be able to come to their party, instead of saying I’ll definitely be there, you could just say Definitely! When used in this way, definitely often has the added benefit of expressing excitement or enthusiasm. This use is typically considered informal.

Definitely also sometimes gets used as a sentence modifier, meaning it is used at the beginning or end of the sentence to comment on the statement as a whole, as in We’ll get it done, definitely. 

Occasionally, definitely gets used ironically, meaning “not definitely at all,” as in Sure, I would definitely pay a hundred bucks for that piece of junk.

Although their meanings are definitely close, definitely and definitively are used differently, with definitively typically referring to an action that is final or decisive, rather than simply precise or exact.

Did you know ... ?

What are some other forms of definitely?

• definite (adjective)

What are some synonyms for definitely?

• absolutely
• certainly
• surely
• clearly

What are some words that share a root or word element with definitely? 

• define
• definitive
• finite

What are some words that often get used in discussing definitely?

• certain
• affirmative
• interjection
• absolute
• precise
• clear

What are some words definitely may be commonly confused with?

• definitively
• definably

How is definitely used in real life?

Definitely is typically used for emphasis, especially when you want to convince someone of the certainty of something. When used as an interjection, it’s usually enthusiastic and informal.

Just a little FYI for certain people…I am the only person that manages my social media…I don’t have anyone posting for me and I DEFINITELY block whoever I choose to. Thank you. As you were. 🙏🏼😈

— tom ellis (@tomellis17) February 20, 2020

Before u share ur secrets, make sure that your listener is not a speaker and definitely not a script writer.

— ` (@slaaaapsoil) February 15, 2020

“One of the highlights of the night was definitely seeing the video of all the Liverpool fans chanting along to One Kiss afterwards.” @DUALIPA on her memories of the Reds in Kiev, hopefully getting to a game and coming to Liverpool in May 🙌

— Liverpool FC (@LFC) February 20, 2020

 

 

Try using definitely!

Is definitely used correctly in the following sentence?

I definitely want to go tomorrow, but I’m just not sure I can.