Definitely: meaning, definitions and examples

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definitely

[ˈdɛf(ə)nɪtli ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Adverb}

in agreement or emphatic confirmation

Without doubt; certainly. Used to emphasize the speaker's belief that what is said is true or likely to happen.

Synonyms

assuredly, certainly, clearly, positively, undoubtedly.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
definitely	Duplicate entry with identical use and meaning. See first 'definitely' usage
certainly	Used to confirm a statement or response politely. You can certainly rely on me She certainly deserves the award
undoubtedly	Used to express a high degree of certainty, without any doubt, often in a confident manner. She is undoubtedly the best candidate for the job This is undoubtedly the right decision
positively	Used to confirm something in an optimistic or confident way, often with an encouraging attitude. You can positively make a difference He spoke positively about the future
assuredly	Used in formal settings to convey absolute confidence. He assuredly delivered the news with confidence This will assuredly lead to success
clearly	Used to indicate that something is obvious or easy to understand. This is clearly not the right approach She clearly understands the subject

Examples of usage

I will definitely be there for the meeting.
She is definitely the best candidate for the job.
I definitely think we should go on vacation together.
He definitely deserves a promotion for his hard work.
This is definitely the right decision to make.

^{Context #2 | Adverb}

without any doubt

Used to emphasize the speaker's confidence in the statement being made.

Synonyms

absolutely, for sure, positively, undeniably, without question.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
definitely	Use when you want to express firm certainty about something. I'll definitely be at the meeting tomorrow. This is definitely the best pizza I've ever had.
absolutely	Best used to emphasize strong agreement or affirmation, often with emotional intensity. I absolutely love this movie! She was absolutely right about the weather.
positively	Used to emphasize certainty, often in formal or emphatic contexts. She positively identified the man in the lineup. I am positively certain about my answer.
for sure	Casually used in spoken language to emphasize certainty. Are you coming tonight? - For sure! He’ll be there, for sure.
without question	Used to emphasize absolute certainty or indubitability, often in formal discourse. He is without question the best candidate for the job. This is without question the right decision.
undeniably	Indicating something that cannot be denied; often used to emphasize strong, irrefutable facts. He is undeniably talented. The results are undeniably impressive.

Examples of usage

I definitely saw him at the party last night.
She definitely knows how to play the piano.
We definitely need to finish this project by Friday.
He definitely has the skills needed for the job.
This is definitely the best restaurant in town.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The term comes from the Latin word 'definitus', which means 'set limits' or 'end', highlighting its certainty.
It started being used in English around the late 15th century and has evolved with various uses.
The adverb form was influenced by the Middle French 'definitif', showcasing the language's impact on English.

Grammar

It functions as an adverb, modifying verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs to convey certainty and emphasis.
Often confused with 'defiantly', which conveys rebellion rather than certainty.
It can stress the importance of a statement, such as in 'I definitely believe in teamwork.'

Cultural Significance

In popular culture, music and films often utilize 'definitely' to enhance expressions of commitment or resolve.
It appears frequently in social media, where users often declare things with certainty, influencing language trends.
The word is commonly used in contexts of affirmation, shaping how discussions are framed in both daily life and public discourse.

Psychology

Using definitive language can increase persuasive power during conversations and negotiations.
People tend to respond more positively to statements that include 'definitely', as it conveys confidence and conviction.
Research shows that certainty in language can reduce ambiguity and enhance understanding in communication.

Literature

Writers often incorporate 'definitely' to create strong characters who assert their beliefs unequivocally.
The way 'definitely' is used in dialogue can reveal character traits, such as decisiveness or overconfidence.
In poetry, definitive words like this can give weight to emotions and themes, making assertions more impactful.

Translations

Translations of the word "definitely" in other languages:

🇵🇹 definitivamente

🇮🇳 निश्चित रूप से

🇩🇪 definitiv

🇮🇩 pasti

🇺🇦 однозначно

безумовно
точно

🇵🇱 definitywnie

🇯🇵 確かに

🇫🇷 définitivement

🇪🇸 definitivamente

🇹🇷 kesinlikle

🇰🇷 분명히

🇸🇦 بالتأكيد

🇨🇿 rozhodně

🇸🇰 definitívne

🇨🇳 肯定地

🇸🇮 definitivno

🇮🇸 örugglega

🇰🇿 нақты

🇬🇪 აუცილებლად

🇦🇿 mütləq

🇲🇽 definitivamente

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #3,545, this word is part of upper-intermediate vocabulary. While not among the most basic terms, it appears often enough to be valuable for advanced communication.

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