definitely

American

[def-uh-nit-lee] / ˈdɛf ə nɪt li /

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 British

/ ˈdɛfɪnɪtlɪ /

adverb

in a definite manner
(sentence modifier) certainly

he said he was coming, definitely

"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

unquestionably: used to confirm an assumption by a questioner

"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

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.

Related Words

See clearly.

Etymology

Origin of definitely

First recorded in 1575–85; definite + -ly

Compare meaning

How does definitely compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

definitely vs. defiantly

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.

Wall Street is definitely upbeat about the new year.

From Barron's

"He is definitely a different Luke Humphries. He was good then, now he is great. It's an honour to hear him calling me a legend."

From BBC

“I definitely would have had to pay, like, $80, which would have ruined the challenge,” he said, referring to the cost of checking a bag while boarding.

From The Wall Street Journal

"I definitely wanted to cross the line tonight," Durant said.

From Barron's

"Six games unbeaten, four wins and two draws. We are definitely not perfect yet but both of our number nines scored. Again, positives to take from the game."

From BBC

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023