definitely
definitely
Adverb
This adverb functions as a powerful intensifier to remove ambiguity. It is frequently used to signal absolute certainty or to provide a firm commitment, making it a staple in both professional assurances and casual conversations. When used as a standalone response, it conveys enthusiastic agreement, often replacing a simple "yes" to show stronger alignment with the speaker.
In spoken English, the word is often subject to phonetic reduction, where the middle syllables are compressed. Despite its strength, overusing "definitely" in formal writing can sometimes appear overly emphatic or subjective; in such contexts, writers may opt for "certainly" or "undoubtedly" to maintain a more neutral academic tone.
Meanings
Related Words
certainlysurelyabsolutelyunquestionablyundoubtedlypositivelyclearlyexplicitlypossiblymaybedoubtfullyuncertainlypotentiallydefinitedefinitiondefinitivecertaintyassuranceconvictionfacttruthrealityprecisionaccuracyclarityconfirmationverificationproofevidenceguaranteepromisecommitmentdecisiondeterminationresolutionconclusionfinalityabsoluteconcretespecificexplicitunambiguousunequivocalcategoricalfixedstableconstantimmutableinevitableunavoidableobviousapparentmanifestevidentdistinctclear-cutfirmsolidrigidstrictpreciseexactparticularindefiniteambiguityvaguenessdoubtskepticismhesitationuncertaintyprobabilitylikelihoodchancepossibilityspeculationhypothesisassumptioninferencedeductionlogicreasoningvaliditytruthfulnessauthenticityreliabilityconsistencyagreementconcurrenceaffirmationassertiondeclarationstatementpronouncementverdictjudgmentdecreemandate