definitely

adverb

def·​i·​nite·​ly ˈde-fə-nit-lē How to pronounce definitely (audio)
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!"

Examples of definitely in a Sentence

that is definitely the kind of dog we're looking to adopt
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
What started with an iced beverage (sort of butterscotch, sort of shortbread, definitely non-alcoholic) with the Wizarding World’s opening in 2010, now comes in frozen, hot and non-dairy varieties, plus there’s butterbeer fudge, potted cream and ice cream for sale. Dewayne Bevil, Orlando Sentinel, 4 Mar. 2025 And that would definitely affect sourcing because Southeast Asia is one of the biggest sourcing regions in the world, which leaves you only with basically India and maybe North Africa to source from. Arthur Zaczkiewicz, WWD, 3 Mar. 2025 Grant is definitely thrown, and Dina is scrambling to say her friends will more than make up for it. Ali Barthwell, Vulture, 3 Mar. 2025 So, in other words, fans will definitely want to get to this gig on time in order to hear all the pop-punk goodness being created on the stage. Jim Harrington, The Mercury News, 3 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for definitely

Word History

Etymology

definite + -ly entry 2

First Known Use

1574, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of definitely was in 1574

Cite this Entry

“Definitely.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/definitely. Accessed 9 Mar. 2025.

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