Synonyms

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.

"There's definitely a challenge, but it's not without solutions. It's really easy to manage."

From BBC

Niall Murphy, director of Glasgow City Heritage Trust, told BBC Radio 4's PM programme, "there is definitely a perception that Glasgow has more than its fair share of fires."

From BBC

Asked where the idea for the movie came from, Riley responded, “I’ve definitely bought a lot of stuff from boosters in my life.”

From Los Angeles Times

"It's definitely tough to know that we're now becoming even more targeted," added Silverstein.

From Barron's

“It definitely is helping me find gratitude in many small things, makes me appreciate what I haven’t lost,” he says.

From The Wall Street Journal

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