definitely

adverb

def·​i·​nite·​ly ˈde-fə-nit-lē 

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!"

Synonyms of definitely

• certainly
• surely
• sure
• clearly
• probably
• really

Examples of definitely in a Sentence

that is definitely the kind of dog we're looking to adopt

Recent Examples on the Web

And definitely a sign that some Kansas voters can be pretty dedicated. — Kansas City Star, 3 Nov. 2026

Shannon and Duff, 39, started off with a game of truth or drink, with the singer demurring on naming her bffs, but hinting that some are definitely a wilder time out than others. — Gil Kaufman, Billboard, 3 Nov. 2026

Monroe was definitely on the moodboard for the evening, proving that old Hollywood glamour can easily be new Hollywood glamour too. — Kara Nesvig, Allure, 3 Nov. 2026

That is not how business is typically done in the NFL and definitely not with a franchise-type of quarterback. — Armando Salguero Outkick, FOXNews.com, 3 Nov. 2026

Word History

Etymology

definite + -ly entry 2

First Known Use

1574, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for definitely

• indefinitely

Video

How to Remember the Spelling of 'Definitely'

Editor Serenity Carr breaks down a simple way to remember how to spell definitely.

Transcript

Do you have trouble spelling definitely? Just remember, it contains the word finite. Then you definitely won't misspell it.