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.

"The US government is definitely in an every-barrel-counts situation because of the scale of the supply shock," she said.

From BBC

And then there is the money, which he says is "definitely not enough".

From BBC

“We’re breaking so many records, it’s definitely pretty clear that it’s one of the warmest Marches we’ve ever had,” National Weather Service meteorologist Bryan Lewis told The Times Wednesday.

From Los Angeles Times

If you have trouble closing drawers or closet doors, she wrote, “it is definitely time to do something, even if you are only in your 30s.”

From The Wall Street Journal

Left-back is definitely the spot in the England team that is currently the most open.

From BBC

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