Use 'definitely' whenever you want to express complete confidence or confirm that something is 100% true.
Mot en 30 secondes
- Used to express total certainty about a fact.
- Functions as a strong affirmative response to questions.
- Adds emphasis to verbs and adjectives in sentences.
Overview
'Definitely' is one of the most common adverbs in the English language, serving as a powerful tool for expressing certainty. It acts as a stronger version of 'yes' or 'surely,' signaling that the speaker has no reservations about the truth of a statement. Usage Patterns: It is typically placed before a main verb (e.g., 'I definitely know') or at the beginning/end of a sentence to provide emphasis (e.g., 'Definitely, we will be there'). When used with negative structures, it adds a sense of absolute finality, such as 'I definitely won't go.' Common Contexts: You will hear 'definitely' in casual conversations when agreeing to plans, in professional settings when confirming data or deadlines, and in writing to persuade the reader of a point. It is highly versatile, fitting into almost any register from informal text messages to academic reports. Similar Words Comparison: While 'certainly' and 'surely' are close in meaning, 'definitely' carries a slightly more modern, emphatic tone. 'Absolutely' is another close synonym, but it often carries a higher degree of enthusiasm or intensity compared to the more factual, grounded nature of 'definitely.' Mastering this word allows speakers to sound more confident and decisive in their daily interactions.
Exemples
I will definitely be there on time.
everydayI will definitely be there on time.
The project will definitely require more funding.
formalThe project will definitely require more funding.
That is definitely the best pizza in town!
informalThat is definitely the best pizza in town!
The evidence definitely supports the original hypothesis.
academicThe evidence definitely supports the original hypothesis.
Collocations courantes
Phrases Courantes
most definitely
without a doubt
definitely maybe
a common ironic phrase meaning 'not sure'
definitely not
a firm refusal
Souvent confondu avec
Defiant is an adjective meaning showing resistance or disobedience. It sounds similar but has a completely different meaning related to rebellion.
Definite is an adjective used to describe something that is fixed or clear. Definitely is the adverb form used to modify actions or states.
Modèles grammaticaux
How to Use It
Notes d'usage
Use 'definitely' to add strength to your claims. It is generally avoided in extremely formal legal documents where 'undoubtedly' might be preferred. In speech, it is perfectly acceptable for all levels of formality.
Erreurs courantes
The most common mistake is spelling it with an 'a' instead of an 'i' (definately). Another error is placing it at the end of a sentence where it feels awkward, like 'I am going to the store definitely,' which is better phrased as 'I am definitely going to the store.'
Tips
Use for emphatic agreement
When someone asks if you want to join them, saying 'Definitely!' sounds enthusiastic and clear. It shows you are fully committed to the plan.
Watch the spelling
Many people misspell it as 'definately.' Remember that it comes from the word 'finite,' so it keeps the 'i' before the 't'.
Modern conversational filler
In contemporary English, people often use 'definitely' as a filler word to show active listening. It signals that you are following the speaker's logic.
Origine du mot
Derived from the Latin 'definitivus,' meaning 'that which defines or settles.' It entered English in the 15th century to describe something precise or final.
Contexte culturel
In Western culture, using 'definitely' is seen as being decisive. It is a sign of confidence, which is highly valued in North American and British business environments.
Astuce mémo
Think of the word 'finite' inside 'definitely.' If something is finite, it is limited and clear, so 'definitely' means something is clearly defined.
Questions fréquentes
4 questionsYes, you can simply say 'Definitely!' to mean 'Yes, absolutely.' It is a common, short way to show your complete agreement.
It usually goes before the main verb, such as 'I definitely agree.' It can also be placed at the very beginning of a sentence for emphasis.
It is neutral. You can use it in both casual chats with friends and in professional emails without sounding out of place.
'Definitely' means there is no doubt, whereas 'probably' means there is a high chance but it is not 100% certain. They are essentially opposites in terms of certainty.
Teste-toi
I ___ remember meeting him at the conference last year.
We need an adverb to modify the verb 'remember'.
Which sentence is grammatically correct?
The adverb should be placed before the main verb or auxiliary verb.
will / finish / definitely / I / the / report / today
The adverb 'definitely' is placed between the subject and the modal verb 'will'.
Score : /3
Summary
Use 'definitely' whenever you want to express complete confidence or confirm that something is 100% true.
- Used to express total certainty about a fact.
- Functions as a strong affirmative response to questions.
- Adds emphasis to verbs and adjectives in sentences.
Use for emphatic agreement
When someone asks if you want to join them, saying 'Definitely!' sounds enthusiastic and clear. It shows you are fully committed to the plan.
Watch the spelling
Many people misspell it as 'definately.' Remember that it comes from the word 'finite,' so it keeps the 'i' before the 't'.
Modern conversational filler
In contemporary English, people often use 'definitely' as a filler word to show active listening. It signals that you are following the speaker's logic.
Exemples
4 sur 4I will definitely be there on time.
I will definitely be there on time.
The project will definitely require more funding.
The project will definitely require more funding.
That is definitely the best pizza in town!
That is definitely the best pizza in town!
The evidence definitely supports the original hypothesis.
The evidence definitely supports the original hypothesis.
Related Content
Expressions liées
Vocabulaire associé
Plus de mots sur general
about
A1'About' signifie 'à propos de' quand on parle d'un sujet, ou 'environ' pour une quantité.
above
A2Indique une position plus haute que quelque chose d'autre, juste au-dessus.
accident
A2Un événement imprévu qui cause du tort ou des blessures.
action
A2C'est le fait de faire quelque chose pour atteindre un but.
after
A2'After' veut dire 'après', quelque chose qui arrive plus tard dans le temps ou dans l'espace.
afterward
A2At a later or subsequent time.
again
A2'Again' veut dire 'encore', que quelque chose se produit une deuxième fois ou plus.
aged
B1Cela précise l'âge d'une personne ou d'un objet.
alive
A2Quelque chose qui est en vie, qui n'est pas mort.
all
A2'All' désigne la totalité de quelque chose, chaque élément sans exception.
