Definitely
Strong affirmation
Use `definitely` when you want to show total agreement and zero doubt with a friendly, energetic tone.
En 15 secondes
- A powerful way to say 'yes' with 100% certainty.
- Works as a standalone answer or to emphasize a verb.
- Shows enthusiasm and builds trust in social and work settings.
Signification
When you are 100% sure about something and want to say 'yes' with extra energy. It is like a regular 'yes' but with a loud, confident exclamation point at the end.
Exemples clés
3 sur 6Ordering food with a friend
Do you want to share the fries? Definitely!
Do you want to share the fries? Yes, for sure!
Confirming a business deadline
I will definitely have the report finished by Friday.
I will certainly have the report finished by Friday.
Texting a friend about a party
I'm defo coming to your party tonight!
I am definitely coming to your party tonight!
Contexte culturel
The word has evolved from a technical term for 'having limits' to a modern social 'power word' that signals total agreement. In the 1990s and 2000s, it became a linguistic filler for showing active listening in conversations. Today, it is a key part of 'enthusiastic consent' in social planning across the English-speaking world.
Spelling Hack
Remember there is 'finite' in the middle of 'de-finite-ly'. Never put an 'a' in it!
The British 'Defo'
In the UK, saying 'defo' makes you sound like a local and very friendly. Use it at the pub!
En 15 secondes
- A powerful way to say 'yes' with 100% certainty.
- Works as a standalone answer or to emphasize a verb.
- Shows enthusiasm and builds trust in social and work settings.
What It Means
Definitely is your go-to word for total certainty. It means there is zero doubt in your mind. Think of it as the stronger, cooler older brother of yes. When you use it, you are telling the world you are fully committed to your answer. It is a verbal high-five for an idea you really like.
How To Use It
You can use it as a one-word answer to a question. You can also place it before a verb to add punch. For example, I definitely want pizza sounds much more excited than I want pizza. It works perfectly in person, over the phone, or in a quick text. Just be careful with the spelling; even native speakers struggle with that middle 'i'!
When To Use It
Use it when someone asks for your opinion or agreement. At a restaurant, if a friend asks if the cake looks good, say Definitely! In a meeting, use it to support a great idea from a colleague. It is perfect for making plans, like I will definitely be there at eight. It shows you are reliable and enthusiastic about the invitation.
When NOT To Use It
Avoid it if you have even a tiny bit of doubt. If you say I will definitely call you and then forget, it feels like a broken promise. Do not use it for sad or very serious news where a simple yes is more respectful. Also, try not to say it five times in one minute. It can start to sound a bit like you are trying too hard to be convincing.
Cultural Background
In English-speaking cultures, being direct and enthusiastic is often seen as a positive trait. Definitely became a staple of conversation because it cuts through the noise. It moved from being a formal adverb to a daily 'power word.' In places like the US and Australia, it is used to show friendliness and shared excitement. It is the sound of someone who is 'all in.'
Common Variations
If you want to mix it up, you can use Defo in the UK or Australia. It is very casual and fun. In the US, you might hear For sure or Absolutely. If you are texting, many people just type Def to save time. Each one carries that same 'yes, 100%' energy but fits different social vibes.
Notes d'usage
It is a neutral-to-informal word that fits almost anywhere. The main 'gotcha' is the spelling—avoid putting an 'a' in the middle!
Spelling Hack
Remember there is 'finite' in the middle of 'de-finite-ly'. Never put an 'a' in it!
The British 'Defo'
In the UK, saying 'defo' makes you sound like a local and very friendly. Use it at the pub!
Overuse Alert
If you say it too much, it loses its power. Save it for things you actually care about.
Exemples
6Do you want to share the fries? Definitely!
Do you want to share the fries? Yes, for sure!
A short, energetic way to agree to a suggestion.
I will definitely have the report finished by Friday.
I will certainly have the report finished by Friday.
Adds a layer of professional commitment and reliability.
I'm defo coming to your party tonight!
I am definitely coming to your party tonight!
Using the slang 'defo' makes the tone very relaxed.
Should we watch a comedy? Definitely, I need a laugh!
Should we watch a comedy? Yes, absolutely!
Shows strong personal interest in the idea.
I am definitely here for you if you need to talk.
I am truly here for you if you need to talk.
Provides strong emotional reassurance.
Do you like the shirt? Definitely, it's my favorite color!
Do you like the shirt? I really do!
Used to make the giver feel good about their choice.
Teste-toi
Choose the best word to show you are 100% sure about going to the beach.
Are you coming to the beach? ___, I already packed my towel!
Since the person already packed their towel, they are 100% sure, making 'Definitely' the right choice.
Place the word in the correct spot to emphasize your action.
I ___ will see you at the concert tonight.
The adverb form 'definitely' is used to modify the verb 'will see'.
🎉 Score : /2
Aides visuelles
Ways to Say Yes
Used with close friends in texts.
Defo!
Perfect for almost any situation.
Definitely.
Used in serious professional contexts.
Most certainly.
Where to use Definitely
Restaurant
Definitely getting dessert!
Office
I definitely agree with that plan.
Texting
Def coming soon!
With Family
I definitely missed you guys!
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsYes is a simple answer. Definitely adds strong emotion and 100% certainty to that answer.
Yes, it shows confidence. For example, I definitely have experience with that software sounds very capable.
It is often misspelled as 'definately'. Just remember it comes from the word definite and add ly.
No, never. Using definitely when you are unsure will confuse people and make you seem unreliable.
Defo is a common slang shortening of definitely used in the UK, Ireland, and Australia.
Yes, it is slightly more formal and much stronger than a simple sure.
It usually goes before the main verb, like I definitely like this, or after the verb 'to be', like It is definitely raining.
Yes! You can say definitely not to show strong disagreement or refusal.
Absolutely. It is very common. You can even shorten it to def in a casual text.
Usually no, it sounds enthusiastic. However, if you say it very loudly while angry, it can sound intense.
Expressions liées
Absolutely
Total agreement, often used with even more energy than definitely.
For sure
A casual way to say you agree or are certain.
Without a doubt
A slightly more formal way to express 100% certainty.
Certainly
A polite and formal version of definitely.
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