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definitely
adverb
def·i·nite·ly
ˈde-fə-nit-lē
ˈdef-nət-
1
: in a definite way : in a way free of all ambiguity, uncertainty, or obscurity
I will definitely be there.
He's very smart and very funny and is definitely a practical actor. He comes to work to get his job done and to make the best movie possible …—
Anna Kendrick
Omaha is definitely not hip; green-haired XML programmers do not glide past gourmet coffee emporiums on Razor scooters.—
Adam Rogers
2
a
—used in speech as a forceful way of expressing agreement or saying "yes"
"Do you think they'll win?" "Definitely!"
b
—used in speech in the phrase definitely not as a forceful way of expressing disagreement or saying "no"
"Do you agree with him?" "Definitely not!"
Synonyms
Examples of definitely in a Sentence
that is definitely the kind of dog we're looking to adopt
Recent Examples on the Web
Your mother was definitely one in her earlier years.
—
Inga, San Diego Union-Tribune, 27 Jan. 2025
Your officiant should definitely know, and the chance of someone hearing about it through the grapevine is fairly high.
—
Erin Clack, People.com, 27 Jan. 2025
There was definitely an element of big brother-little brother to their relationship, with Bowden always pushing up against the limits of Freeman and the school.
—
Ryan Kartje, Los Angeles Times, 27 Jan. 2025
One prison that is definitely not secret is Sednaya, outside Damascus.
—
Jay Nordlinger, National Review, 27 Jan. 2025
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Word History
Etymology
First Known Use
1574, in the meaning defined at sense 1
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Cite this Entry
“Definitely.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/definitely. Accessed 30 Jan. 2025.
More from Merriam-Webster on definitely
Nglish: Translation of definitely for Spanish Speakers
Britannica English: Translation of definitely for Arabic Speakers
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