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

"England's back three are definitely very quick," she said.

From BBC

“I’ll never forget the phone call. And we had such a great time on that first series, didn’t we? There was definitely a feeling of: We’re on to something really good here.”

From Los Angeles Times

“It is definitely still a severe disease in our youngest kids ... whose airways are small and whose immune systems are less mature,” Singh said.

From Los Angeles Times

“I needed a change of scenery, but something still involved with cooking, and it definitely made me a better cook,” she said.

From Salon

It’s been gratifying that people have come back in the way they have, and we definitely feel their love for the show, but we had obstacles in terms of getting to that place, coming back.

From Los Angeles Times

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.