Word
definitely
Phoneticsdef·i·nite·ly, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈdɛfənətɫi/
UK/dˈɛfɪnətli/
Adverb of degree
Definitions
01certainly
A2 · Elementary
adv. without any doubt; 100% sure.
adv. used to emphasise that something is certainly true or will certainly happen.
“I will definitely be at your party on Saturday night.”
“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'.
Synonyms
02decisively
C1 · Advanced Formal
adv. in a way that is clear and final.
adv. in a manner that is clearly defined or decided; leaving no room for confusion.
“The matter was definitely settled after the final meeting.”
“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.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Etymology
From definite + -ly.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
ADJECTIVE
ADVERB
Related words
- 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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