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

• 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

Anyone who gets into that position has definitely earned it. —Rafa Sales Ross, Variety, 17 Oct. 2025

While destinations like Iceland, Norway, and Greenland attract travelers with unparalleled views of the aurora borealis, there are plenty of places Americans can spot the natural wonder closer to home—including some that definitely haven’t been on your For You Page. —Lydia Price, Travel + Leisure, 17 Oct. 2025

But three turnovers and three sacks definitely spiked the mood last time out, and the Commanders have generally looked a step off as visitors this year. —Steven Louis Goldstein, New York Times, 17 Oct. 2025

And those two are definitely female-driven. —Preezy Brown, VIBE.com, 17 Oct. 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.