Explanation at your level:
You use definitely when you are sure. If your friend asks, 'Is it sunny?' and you see the sun, you say, 'Yes, definitely!' It means 'yes, 100%.' It is a very happy and strong word to use.
When you want to show you are sure about a plan, use definitely. You can say, 'I will definitely call you later.' It makes your promise feel stronger and more reliable to your friends.
At this level, you can use definitely to express your opinion clearly. Instead of saying 'I think so,' you can say 'I definitely think this is the best way.' It helps you sound more confident in debates or group discussions.
Use definitely to distinguish between possibilities and certainties. It is a great way to emphasize your stance in professional emails or academic writing. It shows you have analyzed the facts and are confident in your conclusion.
In advanced English, definitely acts as an intensifier for your arguments. You might use it to contrast a 'definite' outcome against a 'hypothetical' one. It adds a layer of precision to your rhetoric, showing that you are not prone to ambiguity.
At the mastery level, definitely is used to navigate subtle nuances of conviction. It can be used ironically or to emphasize a point that others might be hesitant to commit to. It carries the weight of total intellectual commitment, reflecting deep certainty in complex discourse.
Palavra em 30 segundos
- Means without doubt.
- Used to show certainty.
- Commonly used in all settings.
- Spelling: D-E-F-I-N-I-T-E-L-Y.
When you say definitely, you are telling the world that you have zero doubts. It is the linguistic equivalent of a solid, firm handshake. If you say, 'I will definitely be there,' you are making a strong promise.
This word is incredibly useful because it adds certainty to your speech. Without it, 'I will be there' sounds like a plan, but 'I will definitely be there' sounds like a commitment. It is one of the most common ways to show confidence in English.
The word definitely comes from the Latin word definitivus, which means 'serving to define.' Over time, it traveled through Old French before entering English in the late 16th century.
Originally, it was used to describe things that were 'fixed' or 'limited' in scope. It wasn't until later that the meaning shifted to describe the emotional state of being sure about something. It is a classic example of how words evolve from physical descriptions to abstract feelings.
You will hear definitely in almost every setting, from casual chats to business meetings. It is a very versatile adverb that modifies verbs, adjectives, and even entire sentences.
Commonly, it appears before a verb, like 'I definitely agree.' You can also use it as a standalone response to a question, such as 'Are you going?' followed by 'Definitely!' It is widely accepted in both formal and informal registers, making it a safe choice for almost any conversation.
While definitely is a direct word, it appears in many emphatic expressions. For example, 'definitely not' is a common way to give a firm refusal. Another is 'most definitely,' which adds an extra layer of intensity to your agreement.
People also use it in phrases like 'definitely on the cards' (meaning something is likely to happen) or 'definitely a go' (meaning a plan is confirmed). These idiomatic uses show how the word helps anchor our expectations in reality.
Grammatically, definitely functions as an adverb of certainty. It typically sits before the main verb or after the auxiliary verb (e.g., 'I have definitely finished').
Pronunciation is tricky for many learners because the middle vowels often get swallowed. In both British and American English, it is pronounced DEF-in-it-lee. Many people mistakenly say 'definatly,' but remember the 'i-t-e' spelling to keep the 'ite' sound clear.
Fun Fact
It evolved from a word meaning 'to mark the end' to a word meaning 'certainty'.
Pronunciation Guide
Crisp 't' sounds.
The middle vowels often merge.
Common Errors
- Mispronouncing the middle syllable
- Adding an extra 'a' sound
- Swallowing the final 'ly'
Rhymes With
Difficulty Rating
Easy to read.
Easy to use, watch spelling.
Commonly used.
Very clear.
What to Learn Next
Prerequisites
Learn Next
Avançado
Grammar to Know
Adverb placement
I definitely know.
Intensifiers
It is definitely big.
Word order
I will definitely go.
Examples by Level
I am definitely going.
I am sure I will go.
Adverb modifying verb
That is definitely my book.
I am sure it is mine.
Adverb modifying adjective
Definitely!
Yes, for sure.
One-word response
It is definitely cold today.
It is surely cold.
Adverb modifying adjective
I definitely like pizza.
I really like pizza.
Adverb modifying verb
We are definitely friends.
We are for sure friends.
Adverb modifying verb
She is definitely here.
She is certainly here.
Adverb modifying location
That is definitely true.
That is surely true.
Adverb modifying adjective
I will definitely see you tomorrow.
This is definitely the best movie.
He definitely knows the answer.
We definitely need more time.
That was definitely a mistake.
She definitely wants to help.
I definitely agree with you.
They definitely won the game.
The results are definitely better than last year.
I definitely feel more confident now.
This plan is definitely worth trying.
We definitely shouldn't wait any longer.
He is definitely the right person for the job.
That definitely explains why he was late.
I definitely intend to finish the project.
It definitely looks like rain outside.
The evidence definitely points to a different conclusion.
I am definitely of the opinion that we should act now.
This outcome was definitely not what we expected.
She definitely possesses the skills required for the role.
The situation is definitely more complex than it appears.
I definitely appreciate your honesty in this matter.
We have definitely reached a turning point.
It is definitely a matter of time before we succeed.
The data definitely corroborates our initial hypothesis.
One must definitely consider the long-term implications.
The artist definitely challenges traditional norms.
This policy definitely necessitates a thorough review.
His argument is definitely compelling, if not entirely convincing.
We are definitely venturing into uncharted territory.
The outcome is definitely contingent upon our cooperation.
It is definitely a paradox that we must resolve.
The author definitely subverts the reader's expectations.
Such a claim is definitely not without its critics.
The nuance here is definitely lost in translation.
This theory definitely provides a robust framework.
The cultural impact is definitely profound and lasting.
One definitely senses a shift in the political landscape.
The irony is definitely palpable in his writing.
It definitely serves as a testament to their dedication.
Colocações comuns
Idioms & Expressions
"definitely on the table"
Something is being considered.
The new offer is definitely on the table.
business"definitely a go"
Confirmed to proceed.
The project is definitely a go.
casual"definitely not my cup of tea"
Not something I like.
Opera is definitely not my cup of tea.
idiomatic"definitely in the bag"
Guaranteed success.
The victory is definitely in the bag.
casual"definitely up for it"
Willing to do something.
I am definitely up for a hike.
casual"definitely out of line"
Inappropriate behavior.
His comment was definitely out of line.
neutralEasily Confused
Looks the same.
Definite is an adjective, definitely is an adverb.
That is a definite yes (adj) vs I definitely agree (adv).
Same root.
Definition is a noun.
What is the definition of this word?
Similar spelling.
Indefinitely means for a long/unlimited time.
The meeting was delayed indefinitely.
Similar root.
Definitive means the final or best version.
This is the definitive guide.
Sentence Patterns
Subject + definitely + verb
I definitely want to go.
Definitely + adjective
It is definitely cold.
Definitely + sentence
Definitely, I will be there.
Subject + is + definitely + adjective
He is definitely correct.
Definitely + not + verb
I will definitely not miss it.
Família de palavras
Nouns
Verbs
Adjectives
Relacionado
How to Use It
9/10
Formality Scale
Erros comuns
Common spelling error; remember the 'ite'.
Another common spelling error.
Don't add 'to' unless a verb follows.
Usually used with future tense or present simple for habits.
Redundant, as definitely is already strong.
Tips
Memory Palace Trick
Visualize a 'finite' line being drawn around your answer.
When Native Speakers Use It
Used to show you are listening and agreeing.
Cultural Insight
It is a very 'American' way to show enthusiasm.
Grammar Shortcut
Place it before the main verb.
Say It Right
Focus on the 'ite' sound.
Don't Make This Mistake
Do not spell it with an 'a' in the middle.
Did You Know?
It comes from the Latin word for 'limit'.
Study Smart
Use it in your daily journal entries.
Writing Tip
Use it sparingly to keep your writing punchy.
Speaking Tip
Emphasize the first syllable for impact.
Memorize It
Mnemonic
Remember: 'Finite' is in the word. If something is finite, it has a definite end.
Visual Association
A bright red stamp saying 'CONFIRMED'.
Word Web
Desafio
Use 'definitely' in three sentences today.
Origem da palavra
Latin
Original meaning: To set limits or boundaries.
Contexto cultural
None.
Used frequently in North America to express casual agreement.
Practice in Real Life
Real-World Contexts
At work
- Definitely agree
- Definitely on track
- Definitely achievable
With friends
- Definitely down
- Definitely in
- Definitely a plan
Academic
- Definitely suggests
- Definitely indicates
- Definitely proven
Travel
- Definitely worth seeing
- Definitely going back
- Definitely recommend
Conversation Starters
"What is one thing you definitely want to do this year?"
"Do you definitely prefer coffee over tea?"
"Is there a movie you definitely recommend?"
"Are you definitely going to learn more English today?"
"What is a food you definitely dislike?"
Journal Prompts
Write about a goal you are definitely going to achieve.
Describe a place you definitely want to visit.
List three things you definitely enjoy doing.
Explain a decision you made that you are definitely happy about.
Perguntas frequentes
8 perguntasYes, it modifies verbs and adjectives.
D-E-F-I-N-I-T-E-L-Y.
Yes, for emphasis.
It is neutral and fits most contexts.
No, it is an adverb.
Yes, 'definitely not' is very common.
Yes, they are very similar.
Finite.
Teste-se
I ___ like chocolate.
Used for certainty.
What does definitely mean?
It means certainty.
Definitely is an adjective.
It is an adverb.
Word
Significado
Synonyms match.
Adverb placement.
The results are ___ better.
Modifying an adjective.
Which is a synonym?
Formal synonym.
Definitely can be used to show doubt.
It shows certainty.
Word
Significado
Word family matching.
Complex structure.
Pontuação: /10
Summary
When you use definitely, you are telling the world you are 100% sure.
- Means without doubt.
- Used to show certainty.
- Commonly used in all settings.
- Spelling: D-E-F-I-N-I-T-E-L-Y.
Memory Palace Trick
Visualize a 'finite' line being drawn around your answer.
When Native Speakers Use It
Used to show you are listening and agreeing.
Cultural Insight
It is a very 'American' way to show enthusiasm.
Grammar Shortcut
Place it before the main verb.
Related Content
Esta palavra em outros idiomas
Frases relacionadas
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about
A1'About' significa 'sobre' quando se fala de um assunto, ou 'aproximadamente' para indicar uma quantidade.
above
A2Indica uma posição mais alta do que outra coisa, logo acima.
accident
A2Um evento infeliz que causa danos ou ferimentos.
action
A2É o processo de fazer algo, geralmente para atingir um objetivo.
after
A2'After' significa 'depois', indicando que algo acontece em seguida a outra coisa, no tempo ou no espaço.
afterward
A2At a later or subsequent time.
again
A2'Again' significa 'novamente' ou 'mais uma vez', indicando que algo se repete.
aged
B1Usado para indicar a idade específica de alguém ou de alguma coisa.
alive
A2Algo que tem vida, que não está morto.
all
A2'All' refere-se à totalidade de algo, a cada parte ou unidade sem exceção.
