definitely
(adverb)
LISTEN
We use definitely when we are very sure about something.
- He's definitely not here because I saw him leave.
Common uses
When we want to say yes to something and we are very sure about it, we often say “Definitely!” For example: “Will you come to my party?” “Definitely!”
Watch out for
The spelling of definitely can be difficult even for native speakers! Some people write ‘definately,’ but this is not the correct spelling.
In pop culture
Did you see the romantic comedy Definitely, Maybe? The movie has this name because it is a woman’s response when a man says, “Will you marry me?” First she says, “Definitely,” but then she decides that she is not sure and changes her answer to “Maybe.” Here is the scene.
There are other meanings of definitely.
Word of the Day is released Monday through Friday.
