definitely

[def-uh-nit-lee]

adverb

1. in a clear and definite manner; unambiguously.

2. unequivocally; positively.

   Synonyms: certainly, absolutely

interjection

1. (used to express complete agreement or strong affirmation).

   Are you starting your diet tomorrow? Definitely!

definitely

/ ˈdɛfɪnɪtlɪ /

adverb

1. in a definite manner

2. (sentence modifier) certainly

   he said he was coming, definitely

1. unquestionably: used to confirm an assumption by a questioner

Word History and Origins

Origin of definitely¹

First recorded in 1575–85; definite + -ly

Synonym Study

See clearly.

Example Sentences

“I’m definitely taking him to work with me and keeping him close to remind me, not of what I’ve done, but what I get, need and have to do.”

Read more on Los Angeles Times

By that measure, the Bears definitely aren’t as good as their record indicates.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

“It’s definitely been a roller coaster year to say the least,” Guevara said.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

"You are definitely a player I look up to," Sinner, who stretched his unbeaten record indoors to 31 matches, told Alcaraz in his winner's speech.

Read more on BBC

Scotland coach Gregor Townsend, whose position will come under fresh scrutiny after such a remarkable reverse, said: "I definitely didn't see that coming."

Read more on Barron's

Related Words

• absolutely 
• clearly 
• decidedly 
• doubtless 
• easily 
• finally 
• obviously 
• plainly www.thesaurus.com
• surely 
• undeniably www.thesaurus.com
• unequivocally 
• unquestionably 

When To Use

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.