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

While Smart may be friendly with Louis-Dreyfus, Deborah Vance would definitely angle to take her down. — Jason P. Frank, Vulture, 15 Sep. 2026

Close by, and definitely worth the detour, the 26th Street Mexican Independence Day Parade (September 13) is one of the largest in the region. — Ashlyn Ware, Midwest Living, 15 Sep. 2026

Losing two of the greatest to ever play the game just months apart will definitely leave a mark on international soccer. — Los Angeles Times, 15 Sep. 2026

An updo can definitely be formal without looking fussy, and this is a masterclass in hitting exactly the notes. — Kara Nesvig, Allure, 15 Sep. 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.