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

Recent economic and tariff policies have definitely shaken that demand, but as those policies settle, more demand could return. —Diana Olick, CNBC, 28 Nov. 2025

Karoline's definitely been at family events, over the years. —Billal Rahman, MSNBC Newsweek, 28 Nov. 2025

At around $600, these compression shorts are definitely an investment—but one that could save you tons of money in the long run. —Jessie Quinn, Flow Space, 27 Nov. 2025

He’s definitely struggled to get the most out to the McLaren car of late. —Madeline Coleman, New York Times, 27 Nov. 2025

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'

A definitive answer.