ENGLISH
REFERENCE

definitely

adv.
US //ˈdɛfənətɫi// UK //dˈɛfɪnətli// def·i·nite·ly
  1. 1 certainly (adv.)
    A2 Elementary

    without any doubt; 100% sure.

    used to emphasise that something is certainly true or will certainly happen.

    Example

    I will definitely be at your party on Saturday night.

    Example

    The recent data suggests that the climate is definitely changing at a faster rate than previously predicted by the committee.
    Pitfall
    I definately want to go.
    I definitely want to go.

    This is one of the most commonly misspelled words in English; remember it has 'finite' in the middle, so it ends in '-itely'.

  2. 2 decisively (adv.)
    C1 Advanced Formal

    in a way that is clear and final.

    in a manner that is clearly defined or decided; leaving no room for confusion.

    Example

    The matter was definitely settled after the final meeting.

    Example

    The CEO spoke definitely about the company's future, leaving the shareholders with no doubt regarding the upcoming merger.

    Usage

    Often used to describe how a problem is solved or how a person speaks.
Origin

From definite + -ly.

Word family

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