certainly
[sur-tn-lee]
- with certainty; without doubt; assuredly: I'll certainly be there.
- yes, of course: Certainly, take the keys.
- surely; to be sure: He certainly is successful.
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Origin of certainly
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018
Examples from the Web for certainly
Contemporary Examples
Certainly, she seems to command near-total devotion among her clients.
The well, ghost or no ghost, is certainly a piece of history with a bold presence.
They will do it,” Revels declared, “as certainly as the sun shines in the heavens.
Certainly paid paternity leave is part of it (and in the U.S., we need paid maternity and paternity leave).
I am fortunate that I have never been deathly ill, but whenever I have the stomach flu, I most certainly feel like I am dying.
Historical Examples
She certainly knew he was liable to go at any time, in exactly the way he did go.
The SpendersHarry Leon Wilson
I certainly did need you to come along right now and set me straight.
The SpendersHarry Leon Wilson
Too bad, though—you certainly need a wife to take the conceit out of you.
The SpendersHarry Leon Wilson
"Certainly, Robert," was the reply, but the lawyer's manner showed some surprise.
Brave and BoldHoratio Alger
"You certainly do know your business, son," said Uncle Peter, fervently.
The SpendersHarry Leon Wilson
certainly
- with certainty; without doubthe certainly rides very well
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- by all means; definitely: used in answer to questions
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Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
© William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
Word Origin and History for certainly
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper