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definitely
[ def-uh-nit-lee ]
adverb
- in a clear and definite manner; unambiguously.
- unequivocally; positively.
Synonyms: certainly, absolutely
interjection
- (used to express complete agreement or strong affirmation):
Are you starting your diet tomorrow? Definitely!
definitely
/ ˈdɛfɪnɪtlɪ /
adverb
- in a definite manner
- sentence modifier certainly
he said he was coming, definitely
sentence substitute
- unquestionably: used to confirm an assumption by a questioner
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Word History and Origins
Origin of definitely1
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Compare Meanings
How does definitely compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:
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Synonym Study
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Example Sentences
For all you last minute planners out there, there’s definitely plenty of time left to plan to bake your way to their hearts.
The difference now, Warren said, is that today “there definitely are more common touchpoints even for people who don’t play games.”
Refillable hand warmers will definitely need to be placed in a pouch to avoid burns, but the model you buy should come with one.
However, there’s definitely something to be said for having individual control over certain aspects.
Well, Summers is definitely on the outside at this moment, and there’s no reason to think he’s going to be bullied into silence.
The lascivious sex predator is out; the deep-pocketed caped crusader is most definitely in.
And there is definitely something to finding solace in food, familiarity, and memory.
JSwipe definitely gives off less of a hookup vibe than others.
Like, the party was definitely over, but we just kept taking drugs anyway [laughs].
But the title of Best Death definitely belongs to Bob Stookey, who got bitten by a zombie then captured by cannibals.
But hitherto, before these new ideas began to spread in our community, the mass of men and women definitely settled down.
Nigel might pray to a pale Madonna; Isaacson dealt with a definitely blunted woman of the world.
The high rank, the great riches of his father he rather implied than definitely mentioned.
Before definitely deciding to give up Kullak and come to him, Deppe insisted that I should hear one of his scholars play.
And I would respectfully suggest that this interview must definitely terminate the matter one way or the other.
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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?
What are some words that share a root or word element with definitely?
What are some words that often get used in discussing definitely?
What are some words definitely may be commonly confused with?
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.
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