definitely

adverb

def·​i·​nite·​ly ˈde-fə-nit-lē How to pronounce definitely (audio)
ˈdef-nət-
1
: in a definite way : in a way free of all ambiguity, uncertainty, or obscurity
I will definitely be there.
He's very smart and very funny and is definitely a practical actor. He comes to work to get his job done and to make the best movie possible …Anna Kendrick
Omaha is definitely not hip; green-haired XML programmers do not glide past gourmet coffee emporiums on Razor scooters.Adam Rogers
2
a
used in speech as a forceful way of expressing agreement or saying "yes"
"Do you think they'll win?" "Definitely!"
b
used in speech in the phrase definitely not as a forceful way of expressing disagreement or saying "no"
"Do you agree with him?" "Definitely not!"

Examples of definitely in a Sentence

that is definitely the kind of dog we're looking to adopt
Recent Examples on the Web Men were not supposed to talk about their emotions, and fathers were definitely not supposed to show them. Scott A. Roth, Parents, 10 June 2024 There was definitely an homage to that silhouette, plus the big shoulders. Hedy Phillips, Peoplemag, 9 June 2024 The Panthers will definitely host Games 1 and 2 of the series, which are on Saturday and Monday. Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 7 June 2024 At the time, rock wasn’t mainstream in Mexico, and definitely not considered a focal point in the Latin music industry. Holly Alvarado, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 June 2024 See all Example Sentences for definitely 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'definitely.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

definite + -ly entry 2

First Known Use

1574, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of definitely was in 1574

Dictionary Entries Near definitely

Cite this Entry

“Definitely.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/definitely. Accessed 15 Jun. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on definitely

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!