definitely

Meanings

1. 1adverbnot comparable

   Without any doubt; for sure.

   Grammar: Goes before the main verb or after be: I will definitely call.

   Patterns

   • definitely + verb
   • be definitely + adjective

   I will definitely be there on time.

   She is definitely the best candidate.

   That was definitely not what we planned.

2. 2adverbnot comparableinformal

   Used alone as an emphatic answer meaning yes, certainly.

   Grammar: Informal short answer.

   Patterns

   • Definitely!

   Do you want to come? Definitely!

   Would you do it again? Definitely.

   Is it worth the price? Definitely.

Common combinations

definitely need

We definitely need more time.

definitely worth

The trip was definitely worth it.

definitely not

The answer is definitely not yes.

definitely going

I am definitely going.

definitely a

It is definitely a mistake.

Synonyms and how they differ

certainly

Certainly is slightly more formal and common in polite replies.

absolutely

Absolutely is stronger and total.

surely

Surely often invites agreement and can express doubt.

undoubtedly

Undoubtedly is more formal.

Opposites

Word family

definite adjective

clear and certain

indefinitely adverb

for an unlimited time

definition noun

the meaning of a word

Commonly confused: definitely or defiantly?

Practice

Make it your own

Write a sentence using “definitely”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.

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