Word
certainly
Phoneticscer·tain·ly, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈsɝtənɫi/
UK/sˈɜːtənli/
Adverb of degree
Definitions
01without doubt
A2 · Elementary
adv. used to emphasize that something is definitely true or will happen.
adv. used to indicate that the speaker has no doubt about the truth of a statement. Often functions as a sentential adverb to modify the entire proposition.
“The weather is certainly getting colder now that it is November.”
“The recent data certainly suggests that the economic recovery is more fragile than the initial reports had indicated.”
Synonyms
Antonyms
02yes, of course
A2 · Elementary
adv. used as a polite and strong way of saying 'yes' when someone asks you something.
adv. used as an emphatic affirmative response to a request or question, functioning as a discourse marker of agreement.
“"Could you help me with this bag?" "Certainly, I would be happy to."”
“When asked if the department would support the new initiative, the director replied, "Certainly, provided the budget remains within the agreed limits."”
Synonyms
Antonyms
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “certainly” in context.
Etymology
From Middle English certeynly; equivalent to certain + -ly.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
ADJECTIVE
ADVERB
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.A2 KeyIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.3.0–4.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 2.0–2.524–43TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.225–549
- Frequency
- Very common
- Level
- A2 · ElementaryOxford
- Updated
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