Definitely: Meaning, Examples, and Correct Usage

Meaning 1：without doubt (definitely)

definitely 🔊

/ˈdɛf.ɪ.nɪt.li/

adv

It means that something is true or will happen for sure, with no doubt at all.

Definitely meaning illustrated with a confident thumbs-up gesture

without doubt 🔊

➕

/wɪˈðaʊt daʊt/

adv

Used to emphasize that something is certain or will happen with no uncertainty.

📁 Category：Behaviors & Actions 🔖 Level：Intermediate

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Root Explanation

de- (down) + finire (to limit) + -ly (adverb suffix): denotes certainty by reaching a limit.

💡 Mnemonic

Think: 'De' (down) + 'finite' (limited) = down to the limit, so no doubt. Definitely!

📖 Example

After checking the weather forecast, she said she would definitely join the picnic this weekend. 🔊 After checking the weather forecast, she said she would definitely join the picnic this weekend.

🔗 Collocations

definitely agree – to express complete agreement without hesitation

definitely need – to require something urgently or without question

definitely worth – having a value that is unquestionably justified

🔄 Synonyms

certainly (adv) – in a way that is sure and without doubt

absolutely (adv) – with no restriction or condition; completely

undoubtedly (adv) – without any doubt; certainly

🚫 Antonyms

possibly (adv) – in a way that may or may not happen; not certain

maybe (adv) – expressing that something is uncertain or possible

uncertainly (adv) – in a way that lacks confidence or certainty

🌱 Derivatives

definite (adj) – clearly stated or decided; not vague

definition (n) – a statement of the exact meaning of a word or phrase

definiteness (n) – the quality of being clear and without ambiguity

📖 Cultural Story

From Latin 'definitus' (defined, bounded), past participle of 'definire'. In modern English, it is a common intensifier used to express strong agreement or absolute certainty in everyday speech.