certainly

[sur-tn-lee]

adverb

1. with certainty; without doubt; assuredly.

   I'll certainly be there.

2. yes, of course.

   Certainly, take the keys.

3. to be sure; surely.

   He certainly is successful.

certainly

/ ˈsɜːtənlɪ /

adverb

1. with certainty; without doubt

   he certainly rides very well

1. by all means; definitely: used in answer to questions

Word History and Origins

Origin of certainly¹

First recorded in 1250–1300; Middle English; certain + -ly

Example Sentences

"I think the studios certainly learned that we are in one small ecosystem, we all need each other," he told the BBC's Big Boss Interview podcast.

Read more on BBC

A similar defeat in London certainly did nearly a year ago when Newcastle were thumped by Brentford.

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It certainly felt that way this week, after a string of layoffs by some of the country’s largest companies.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

“I think it would certainly provide impetus in places like New York to move forward.”

Read more on Los Angeles Times

The memory of the ninth inning, when Toronto loaded the bases but failed to score, will certainly linger.

Read more on Barron's

Related Words

• absolutely 
• assuredly 
• exactly 
• surely