certainly
gb/sˈɚtənli/ us/sˈɚtənli/
A2
English
~ 600
Senses
0 senses
adverb
A2
property
1
Without any doubt
Used to say that something is sure or true.
Usage pattern:
[someone] certainly [verb/verb phrase]
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'certainly' with 'certain', using 'I am certainly' instead of 'I am certain'. Remember that 'certainly' is an adverb and modifies verbs or whole statements.
Synonyms
definitely (Slightly less formal; very common in speech.)
|
surely (Can sound more emotional or persuasive.)
Antonyms
possibly (Suggests that something might happen but is not sure.)
|
doubtfully (Indicates uncertainty or lack of confidence.)
Collocations
most certainly
|almost certainly
|certainly true
|certainly happen
Themes
confirmation
|certainty
|agreement
|communication
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- She will certainly be at the meeting.
- This is certainly the best pizza I’ve ever had.
- He will certainly call you back later.
- The team will certainly make the playoffs this year.
Learner examples
- It will certainly rain tomorrow.
- She is certainly my best friend.
- You will certainly like this movie.
- He will certainly help you with your homework.
adverb
B1
action
2
Polite agreement or permission
Used to politely say yes or agree to do something.
Common mistake:
Learners may overuse 'certainly' in casual conversation, where it can sound overly formal; in informal speech, 'sure' or 'of course' may be more natural.
Synonyms
of course (Slightly more casual than 'certainly'.)
|
absolutely (More emphatic, can sound stronger than 'certainly'.)
Antonyms
no way (Strong refusal, opposite of polite agreement.)
Collocations
Yes, certainly
|Certainly, sir/madam
Themes
politeness
|conversation
|communication
|daily_life
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- 'Could you send me the report?' 'Certainly.'
- 'May I open the window?' 'Certainly.'
- Certainly, I’ll help you with that.
Learner examples
- 'Can you help me?' 'Certainly.'
- 'May I use your phone?' 'Certainly.'
- Certainly, I will come with you.
Grammar
Dictionary form
certainly
IPA
GB/sˈɚtənli/
US/sˈɚtənli/
Syllables & stress
cer - tainly (2 syllables)
Stress on 1st syllable (cer)
Word forms
Noun
- Base: certainly
- Plural: certainlies
Word family
Forms
certainlies
noun
Negative and opposite forms
Expressions
most certainly
1/mˈoʊst sˈɚtənli/
fixed phrase
Without any doubt at all
Used to say something is 100% sure or true.
Examples
- It will most certainly rain later today.
- You can most certainly count on me.
almost certainly
1/ˈɔlmˌoʊst sˈɚtənli/
fixed phrase
Very likely but not certain
Used to say that something is very likely to happen, but it is not 100% sure.
Examples
- She will almost certainly say yes.
- He will almost certainly get the job.
- This will almost certainly cause problems.
- The train is almost certainly late again.