definitely
gb/dˈɛfɪnɪtli/ us/dˈɛfɪnɪtli/
A2
English
~ 2600
Senses
0 senses
adverb
A2
property
1
Without any doubt
Used to say that something is sure or will happen for sure.
Usage pattern:
[someone] definitely [verb]
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'definitely' with 'defiantly' because they look similar, but 'defiantly' means 'in a rebellious way'.
Synonyms
certainly (Slightly more formal, but otherwise very close in meaning.)
|
surely (Can sound old-fashioned or rhetorical in some uses.)
Antonyms
possibly (Indicates uncertainty rather than certainty.)
|
doubtfully (Suggests a lack of belief or confidence.)
Collocations
definitely true
|definitely going
|definitely help
|definitely want
Themes
daily life
|opinions
|confirmation
|communication
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- I will definitely be at the meeting tomorrow.
- This movie is definitely worth watching.
- He definitely knows the answer to that question.
- You should definitely try the chocolate cake here.
- It’s definitely going to rain later.
Learner examples
- I will definitely call you.
- She is definitely my best friend.
- We will definitely go to the park.
- He is definitely a good teacher.
- This is definitely my favorite book.
Grammar
Dictionary form
definitely
IPA
GB/dˈɛfɪnɪtli/
US/dˈɛfɪnɪtli/
Syllables & stress
def - in - itely (3 syllables)
Stress on 1st syllable (def)
Word forms
Noun
- Base: definitely
- Plural: definitelies
Word family
Forms
definitelies
noun
Core family
Related words
definitive
adjective C1
definitively
adverb
Negative and opposite forms
indefinite
adjective B2
indefinitely
adverb B2
Advanced or less common
definiteness
noun
Expressions
most definitely
1/mˈoʊst dˈɛfɪnɪtli/
fixed phrase
informal
Certainly, with emphasis
Used to strongly agree or say yes with extra force.
Examples
- "Are you coming to the party?" – "Most definitely!"
- That was most definitely the best pizza I’ve ever had.
yes, definitely
1/jˈɛs | dˈɛfɪnɪtli/
fixed phrase
Agree completely and surely
Used to say yes in a way that shows you are very sure.
Examples
- "Do you like your new job?" – "Yes, definitely."
- "Is she your sister?" – "Yes, definitely."