definitely
Americanadverb
-
in a clear and definite manner; unambiguously.
-
unequivocally; positively.
- Synonyms:
- certainly, absolutely
interjection
adverb
-
in a definite manner
-
(sentence modifier) certainly
he said he was coming, definitely
Usage
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.
Synonym Usage
See clearly.
Etymology
Origin of definitely
Compare meaning
How does definitely compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:
Explanation
Use definitely to describe something you don’t have any doubt about. If you are certain you're going to see your friend's band play, you can assure him that you'll definitely be there. The adverb definitely is used to emphasize the certainty of whatever word it modifies. If you are sure you want apple pie, you could say you definitely want it. The base word definite can also mean "a certain limit," like the definite size a shelf must have to be. You wouldn't say "the carpenter definitely cuts the wood," to describe the exactness of the work; use precisely instead. AND, yes, definitely definitely has an e before the ly!
Vocabulary lists containing definitely
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Commonly Confused Words, List 2
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Regardless, a Black Sky event is definitely at the backs of people's minds.
From BBC ● Nov. 7, 2026
I think there’s definitely a space for it.
From Los Angeles Times ● Nov. 5, 2026
"There are definitely elements of his story that are very unique to him, and that make it even more inspiring."
From Barron's ● Nov. 5, 2026
One you definitely didn’t hear about is the fuddiest, duddiest, most unlikely seller of a huge slug of GameStop shares after it rallied several thousand percent—Dimensional Fund Advisors.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Nov. 4, 2026
The mountain definitely wasn’t home yet, but it was beginning to feel more and more like one every day.
From "Glitch" by Laura Martin
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Get a wordDefinitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
