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

The soup is still garnished with avocado, cilantro, shredded cheese, and chips, but McBride definitely put her own spin on the classic. —Alana Al-Hatlani, Southern Living, 4 Feb. 2026

Brown definitely stepped up, finishing with 18 points, eight rebounds and five steals as West Aurora pulled away for a 54-38 Upstate Eight West win over host Larkin in Elgin. —Paul Johnson, Chicago Tribune, 4 Feb. 2026

But, yes, Bailey is definitely going to hook up with someone this summer. —Brian Moylan, Vulture, 4 Feb. 2026

While former juco players getting extra years of football eligibility is not on the same level of crisis as a former NBA player returning to college, there would definitely be ramifications. —Stewart Mandel, New York Times, 4 Feb. 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'

A definitive answer.