certainlycer‧tain‧ly /ˈsɜːtnli $ ˈsɜːr-/ ●●● S1 W1 adverb [sentence adverb] 
I certainly never expected to become a writer. They’re certainly not mine.it is certainly true/possible etc It is certainly true that there are more courses on offer. The girl was almost certainly murdered. ‘Not smoking has made a real difference.’ ‘It most certainly has.’2 spoken used to agree or give your permission: ‘I’d like a beer, please.’ ‘Certainly, sir.’ ‘Can I come along?’ ‘Certainly.’3certainly not spoken used to disagree completely or to refuse to give permission: ‘May I go?’ ‘Certainly not!’RegisterIn everyday English, people usually say of course or sure rather than certainly when agreeing or giving permission:· ‘Can I sit down?’ ‘Of course.’THESAURUScertainly used when saying that you are sure about something: · Amy’s certainly growing, but she’s not gaining weight.· It’s certainly not the cheapest way of getting to New York.· ‘Is this his signature?’ ‘Almost certainly.’undoubtedly used when saying that you are completely sure about something. Undoubtedly sounds more certain and a little more formal than certainly: · They are undoubtedly the better team.· Undoubtedly it will be a huge shock for him.· The furniture, although undoubtedly fashionable, was a little too plain for my taste.there is no doubt used when you are completely sure about something: · There is no doubt that violence on TV influences children.· He’s definitely innocent. There’s no doubt about that.without (a) doubt used when you are completely sure about something: · She was without doubt one of Mexico’s finest artists.· There would be, without a doubt, some perfectly ordinary explanation for his behaviour.
EXAMPLES FROM OTHER DICTIONARIES
- Certainly, a backpacking trip in the high Sierras is not for everyone.
- We're certainly a lot better off than we were five years ago.
- And it certainly Was, though not in the way the interviewees assumed.
- And that she most certainly was not, she told herself adamantly.
- And that was certainly a start.
- Books and people certainly affected him.
- Not the papers or the magazines and certainly not Kylie.
- Should the man choose to chase the quail rather than shoot it, he would almost certainly still have his dinner.
- This thought now struck him as too simple and certainly unpleasant in its snobbery, and he tore it up.
- We are not especially well-treated, certainly not as well as the locals.
THESAURUS
used when saying that you are sure about something: · Amy’s certainly growing, but she’s not gaining weight.· It’s certainly not the cheapest way of getting to New York.· ‘Is this his signature?’ ‘Almost certainly.’
used when saying that you are completely sure about something. Undoubtedly sounds more certain and a little more formal than certainly: · They are undoubtedly the better team.· Undoubtedly it will be a huge shock for him.· The furniture, although undoubtedly fashionable, was a little too plain for my taste.
used when you are completely sure about something: · There is no doubt that violence on TV influences children.· He’s definitely innocent. There’s no doubt about that.
used when you are completely sure about something: · She was without doubt one of Mexico’s finest artists.· There would be, without a doubt, some perfectly ordinary explanation for his behaviour.
Longman Language Activatorwhen something is definitely true use this to emphasize that something is definitely true. Definitely is more common in spoken English than certainly: · Incredible as they seem, these events certainly took place.· We don't know exactly when the house was built, but it's certainly over 200 years old. · I definitely posted the cheque last week, so it should have arrived by now.· "I think it would be a great opportunity." "Yeah, definitely."definitely/certainly not: · "She's not thinking of going back out with Simon again?" "No, definitely not."
use this to say that, in your opinion, something is definitely true about someone or something: · The years my parents spent in Kenya were undoubtedly the happiest of their lives.· Japan has unquestionably one of the most successful economies in the world.· Without a doubt, taxation is going to be the key issue in the President's campaign.
use this to say that, in your opinion, something definitely is true about someone or something: there's no doubt/there's no question that: · There's no doubt that he completely dominates her.· There is no question that Maridan had known all about the deal.· There was no doubt that, without the peacekeeping force, the civil war would have continued.there's no doubt/there's no question about it/about that: · You can see they're short of staff -- there's no doubt about it.· "We made some mistakes. No question about that," Glavine said.
use this to say that, in your opinion, there is definitely no doubt at all that something is true: · The evidence proves, beyond a shadow of a doubt, that this man was in the victim's apartment on the day of the murder.
spoken say this when you want to emphasize that something must be true and you want the person you are talking to to agree with you: · Surely he must have realized that the money was stolen.· "I'm not sure how the heating system works." "Surely it can't be that complicated." · Your car must be worth more than $500, surely!
if something is beyond dispute it certainly happened or exists and no one thinks differently: · Her professionalism is beyond dispute.· That the reports were stolen is beyond dispute. What we need to know is who took them.
when something will definitely happen use this to say that you are completely sure that something will happen or that someone will do something. Definitely is more common in spoken English than certainly: · I'll certainly be glad when this course is over.· Roger and Andy are definitely coming, but I'm not sure about Nancy.· We'll certainly be back by 7 o'clock.· Owen is injured and will definitely miss the game on Saturday.
informal if you say that something will happen for sure , you mean it will certainly happen: · Yeah, you'll see him. He'll be there for sure.· Milan are going to win the cup for sure. They're just such a strong team.that's for sure: · She'll come home when she runs out of money, that's for sure.
if something is bound to happen it is certain to happen, especially because that is what always happens: · The kids are bound to be hungry when they get home -- they always are.· My car broke down today. It was bound to happen sooner or later.· Have you asked Ted? He's sure to know.· The drop in prices and lack of demand are certain to affect the manufacturing industry.
use this to say that something is certain to happen but no one knows exactly when: · You'll learn how to do it eventually -- it's only a matter of time.· Your father is dying and there's nothing we can do. I'm afraid it's just a matter of time.it's only/just a matter of time before: · It was only a matter of time before Lynn found out Phil's secret.
if something is cut and dried , it is certain to happen in a particular way because it has already been planned or decided, and nothing can be done to change it: · My future was cut and dried. I would join my father's firm, and take it over when he retired.· We made the arrangements weeks ago. It's all cut and dried.
if something is a certainty , it is certain to happen, especially because the situation has changed and made it certain: · Johnson was the fastest man on earth, and a gold medal seemed a certainty.· Being left alone in her old age, the fate she had always feared, now became a certainty.
if something, especially a result, is a foregone conclusion, it is certain to happen even though it has not yet been officially decided: · Ian's bound to get the job -- it's a foregone conclusion.· The outcome of the battle was a foregone conclusion.
certain or definite · Computer prices will continue to fall - that's certain.it is certain (that) · Nobody knows exactly who built the manor, but it is certain that an architect called John Sturges supplied the drawings. almost certain · As the results came in, it was now almost certain that Ken Livingstone would be the new Mayor of London.certain death/failure/disaster etc · Ignoring all warnings, the general led his men to certain death.
if something is definite , it is certain because someone has officially stated that it will happen, is true etc: · I've got a good chance of getting the job, but it's not definite yet.· We have some statistics, but we really need something more definite before we can make any firm decisions.definite answer: · I don't know what time she's coming. She won't give me a definite answer.
: conclusive proof/evidence/argument etc proof etc that is certainly true and cannot be doubted: · We still have no conclusive proof that Walters was at the scene of the crime.· They have been able to collect some data, but as yet nothing really conclusive.
certain to win or succeed if someone is destined to do or become something, they will certainly do it or become it, especially something that will make them famous or admired: · She was convinced that her little boy was destined to become President.· Clara worked in a factory and sang in clubs at weekends - but even then you could tell that she was destined to become a star.
formal to be certain to get something good or to be successful: · After the success of its recent single, the band is now assured of a contract with a major record company.· Our clients are assured of comfortable accommodation and the attention of our trained staff.
spoken informal use this to say that someone or something will definitely win or succeed: · I'm betting on Sceptre. He's a dead cert to win the Gold Cup.
spoken use this to say that something or someone will definitely be successful: · We've been through the plan a dozen times. It can't go wrong.· Just follow the instructions and you can't go wrong.
spoken informal use this to say that you will certainly get something you want, or something you want will certainly happen, because you have almost got it or it has almost happened already: · You're bound to get Bill's job when he leaves - it's in the bag.be in the bag: · If we win the next game, the championship's in the bag.
use this to say that it is almost certain something will happen because of what you know of the situation: · I told my friends it was a sure thing, and they bet every last penny on that horse of yours.it's a safe bet/it's a sure bet/it's a sure thing (that): · If the President supports him it's a sure bet that he'll get a seat in Congress.· As it was the first concert of the season it was a safe bet all the critics would be there.
a foolproof plan or method is one that is certain to work and be successful: · A pasta book is a foolproof gift for anyone who cooks.foolproof method/system/plan etc: · The new speech recognition system is not absolutely foolproof, but it is a huge breakthrough.· The gang hit on a seemingly foolproof way of getting drugs into the country.
certain to fail or end in a bad way if someone or something is doomed , it is certain that they will die, fail, or end in a very bad way: · The film is about a set of aliens living on a doomed planet.doomed to: · Without his job, his family would be doomed to a life of deprivation.doomed to do something: · Marx taught that capitalist economies are eventually doomed to collapse.doomed to failure/disappointment/extinction etc: · In the novel, Jude's marriage is doomed to failure from the start.
if something, especially something bad, is fated to happen, it seems that it is certain to happen because of some mysterious force that you cannot control: · It seems that she was fated to be alone in life.· Achilles was kept back by his mother. She knew that if he went to Troy he was fated to die there.
when something is certain and impossible to avoid · War now seems inevitable.· Nina could never escape the inevitable comparisons that people made between her and her twin.inevitable result/consequence · If the population continues to expand, Ehrlich argues, mass starvation and ecological disaster will be the inevitable consequence. · The price of bread was doubled, with the inevitable result - riots in the streets of Paris.it is inevitable (that) · It was inevitable that he'd find out her secret sooner or later.
use this to tell someone that something is certain to happen and that they cannot prevent it even if they do not like it: · You're going to have to face him one day, whether you like it or not.· Whether she likes it or not, she's got to accept that her kids are grown up now.
something that is predestined will certainly happen and cannot be changed because it has been decided in advance by a power or force beyond our control: · Life isn't a series of predestined events: we have some control over what happens.predestined to do something: · Many religions teach that man is predestined to suffer.
if you know that a situation is meant to be you know it is certain to happen, especially because it is right and suitable: · We tried to be happy together but it was never meant to be.· Although saying goodbye was painful, she knew it was meant to be.
something that is definitely going to happen and cannot be avoided or prevented: · It's time they accepted the inevitable and got a divorce.bow to the inevitable (=accept something that cannot be prevented): · Week after week the papers were full of revelations about the minister's alleged corrupt dealings, until eventually he bowed to the inevitable and resigned.
to make certain that something will happen Make sure is more common in spoken English than make certain: · I think Harry knows the way, but I'll go with him just to make sure.make sure/make certain (that): · Make sure you lock your car.· You must make sure that your dog is vaccinated against illness.· The producer must make certain there is enough material to fill the one-hour programme.
also ensure British to do something in order to be certain that something will happen in the way you want it to: · To insure accuracy, three consultants worked closely with the producer during filming.insure/ensure that: · It is important to insure that universities have enough funds to carry out important research.· A new television campaign has been launched to ensure that the victims are not forgotten.
especially spoken to make sure that something someone has asked you to do is done: · I'll see that Jason isn't late for school again!· Will you please see to it that this work is finished by the end of the week.see to it: · "This letter must be posted today.'' "Don't worry, I'll see to it.''
ways of saying no to a question, request, or suggestion use this when someone asks you a question or makes a request or suggestion: · "Are you Italian?" "No, I'm Spanish."· "Shall I help you?" "No, no -- I can do it on my own, thanks."the answer's no: · If she asks to borrow any more money, the answer's no!
use this when what someone has suggested is not at all true, or when saying you do not mind at all if someone does something: · "Your boys are keen on sport, aren't they?" "Not at all - just the opposite in fact."· "Is my radio bothering you?" "Not at all -- I'm quite enjoying it."· "I'd like to be on my own for a while. Do you mind?" "Not at all," she said kindly.
use this when saying that you are sorry that you cannot do something that someone has asked you to do, do not have something someone has asked you for etc: · "Are you coming to the barbecue tomorrow?" "No, I'm afraid not. I've promised to go and see my Mum."· "Have you got change for £20?" "No, I'm afraid not."
use this to say no very strongly, when you think what someone has suggested or asked is clearly unlikely or stupid: · "Are you serious about Sam?" "Of course not, we're just good friends."· "Don't tell anyone else, will you?" "Of course not."
use this when someone asks if you want to do something, if you like something etc, and although you say no you do not have very strong feelings about it: · "Do you want to come to the movie with us?" "Not really. I think I'll just stay in and read."· "But you quite enjoy your job, don't you?" "Not really, no. I feel I could do with a change."
use this especially when forbidding someone to do something or when you are annoyed or shocked that they have suggested something: · "Can I have some wine?" "Certainly not -- you're far too young!"· "Are you thinking of resigning?" "Certainly not."
informal use this when you are saying very strongly that you refuse to do something or when you are sure that something cannot possibly be true: · I'm not going to work late on Friday night! No way!· "Do you think we can make the trip in two hours?" "No way! It'll take more like four."· I don't believe he stole the money -- no way!
informal use this when you think that what someone has asked or suggested seems stupid or dangerous and you would definitely not consider doing it: · "Want a ride on the back of my motorcycle?" "You must be kidding."· "Are you going out with Jake?" "You must be joking! I wouldn't go out with him if he was the last person on earth."
when someone asks you for permission to do something spoken · "Is it all right if I use this computer?" "Yes, that's fine."· "Do you have a pen I can borrow?" "Yes, what color do you want?"· I asked her if I could come too, and she said yes.
spoken say this when you agree to give permission but you are not completely happy about it: · "Mum, can I borrow your car for an hour?" "OK, but don't be any longer than that."· Ed asked if he could stay over at Matt's house so I said okay.
spoken informal especially American · "Can I call you this evening?'' "Sure. I'll be home about seven thirty.''· "Do you have a photo of the baby I can see?" "Sure," said Maddy, pulling out her wallet.
spoken use this to say clearly and definitely that you are very willing to give your permission for something: · "Do you think I could borrow some money?" "Of course. How much do you need?"of course you can/we will etc: · "Will we be able to go to Disney World?" "Of course we will, that's why we're here."
spoken say this especially when you are being polite to someone in a formal situation: · "Can I change the date of my return flight to London?" "Certainly, which date would you prefer?"· "I'd like to use the hotel sauna, please.'' "Certainly, Madam. It's down the corridor on the left.''
spoken say this when someone asks your permission to use something that belongs to you, or asks to do something that affects you in some way: · "Is it OK if I smoke?'' "Sure, go ahead.''· "Do you mind if I use your phone?" "Not at all - go ahead."
spoken formal say this to show that you are very willing to give permission: · "Do you think I could stay at your house for a few days?'' "By all means, but you may have to sleep on the floor.''
spoken say this to show that you are very willing to give permission, and it is not at all inconvenient for you: · "Would it be all right if I leave work a bit early tomorrow? I've got a dentist's appointment." "No problem - thanks for letting me know."
COLLOCATIONS FROM THE ENTRY It is certainly true that there are more courses on offer. The girl was almost certainly murdered. ‘Not smoking has made a real difference.’ ‘It most certainly has.’COLLOCATIONS FROM OTHER ENTRIES The story is almost certainly true.
It is certainly true that there are more courses on offer. The girl was almost certainly murdered. ‘Not smoking has made a real difference.’ ‘It most certainly has.’ The story is almost certainly true.· We would definitely recommend these books to students in fourth to sixth grade.
COLLOCATIONS FROM THE CORPUSADJECTIVE· It is certainly possible that Mercury once had a molten iron core which has since partly or wholly solidified.· Finding a new one is certainly possible.· Oyster farming is certainly possible, and it's been done successfully in a number of places.· Emotional appeals are certainly possible, but they are harder to make on a piece of white paper than face-to-face.· Intraindustry trade is, however, certainly possible.· It was certainly possible to study what would now be called ecological relationships before the founding of scientific ecology.· It was certainly possible that the historical outlook, made it easier to dismiss the majority of instances.
· The same was certainly true of me, although my role was clearly less significant.· This is certainly true when they deal with stories near home.· However, that the main ideas were much the same is almost certainly true.· That much is certainly true enough.· This is certainly true in the North-East.· This is certainly true of approval committees for thesis and dissertation proposals.
VERB· Some back-row moves would certainly help to break up the pattern of play, but they must have a solid scrum first.· The Harriman fortune and name certainly helped.· Positive financial incentives in the form of specific grants from a specially established Department of Health Fund would certainly help.· It certainly helps if you mix socially with successful people who encourage you.· They certainly help to enhance a perspective that sees Faustus as a pawn between two more powerful forces.· Educational grants and salary boosts could certainly help the careers of some nurses, but these are stopgap measures.· We do not even have to posit a genetic advantage in imitation, though that would certainly help.· Sewage plants that turn sludge into safer materials certainly help the environment, but they do release some chemicals.
· Mr. King I am interested to hear that, and I will certainly look into it.· This sentence certainly looks like it is pure description although it is filled with ambiguities.· I will certainly look at the point that my hon. Friend has mentioned.· The police would certainly look for Tom Ripley around Dickie Greenleaf.· You're certainly looking a lot better than when they brought you in.· She certainly looked down on my mother, who was almost a foot shorter.· The capital, Yangon, certainly looks like a boomtown.· Mr. Jackson I shall certainly look into the position of the job club.
· You would certainly need convincing that they were going to change their management practices.· And some explanation is certainly needed.· The exemption you refer to certainly needs clarification.· They were certainly needed, for by then the attendance had leapt to fifty-six.· If the technology is used for more than word processing then lawyers will certainly need to be trained.· He certainly needed to offer a response.· The Republicans certainly need to find one, and fast.· Ana Maria certainly needs her family around her now more than ever.
· Mrs Donaldson, in last month's letters page, certainly seems to have the right idea.· And some things certainly seem to be working for Roth.· Tonight he certainly seemed at pains to play the perfect host.· Well, that certainly seems pretty straight forward, even obvious.· It certainly seemed as if his friend had snapped the bones of both his wings.· He certainly seems to have had the interests of the blood-line at heart.· In the uncompromising light of Jerusalem it had certainly seemed so.· And to all of us who are eating less meat but paying more, it certainly seems less than a boom.
PHRASES FROM THE ENTRY
- And they are certainly not blind to their difficulties or weaknesses.
- But he would be twenty next birthday, a young man certainly, but not mature - certainly not mature.
- Growing deafer, moreover, as they had certainly not been deaf as babies.
- It is certainly not a substitute for good old-fashioned interviewing or communications skills.
- Managers may think that a team is doing the work, but it is certainly not a team in any cohesive sense.
- Nugent is wild on stage but certainly not the stereotypical rock musician.
- The pattern is certainly not one of total closure or exclusion.
- These recordings are interesting, but certainly not inventive.
WORD FAMILYnouncertainty ≠ uncertaintyadjectivecertain ≠ uncertainadverbcertainly ≠ uncertainly
1without any doubt SYN definitely: I certainly never expected to become a writer. They’re certainly not mine.it is certainly true/possible etc It is certainly true that there are more courses on offer. The girl was almost certainly murdered. ‘Not smoking has made a real difference.’ ‘It most certainly has.’2 spoken used to agree or give your permission: ‘I’d like a beer, please.’ ‘Certainly, sir.’ ‘Can I come along?’ ‘Certainly.’3certainly not spoken used to disagree completely or to refuse to give permission: ‘May I go?’ ‘Certainly not!’RegisterIn everyday English, people usually say of course or sure rather than certainly when agreeing or giving permission:· ‘Can I sit down?’ ‘Of course.’THESAURUScertainly used when saying that you are sure about something: · Amy’s certainly growing, but she’s not gaining weight.· It’s certainly not the cheapest way of getting to New York.· ‘Is this his signature?’ ‘Almost certainly.’undoubtedly used when saying that you are completely sure about something. Undoubtedly sounds more certain and a little more formal than certainly: · They are undoubtedly the better team.· Undoubtedly it will be a huge shock for him.· The furniture, although undoubtedly fashionable, was a little too plain for my taste.there is no doubt used when you are completely sure about something: · There is no doubt that violence on TV influences children.· He’s definitely innocent. There’s no doubt about that.without (a) doubt used when you are completely sure about something: · She was without doubt one of Mexico’s finest artists.· There would be, without a doubt, some perfectly ordinary explanation for his behaviour.- straw-coloured
- straw poll
- strawweight
- stray
- streak
- streaker
- streaky
- streaky bacon
- stream
- streamer
- streaming
- streaming media
- streamline
- streamlined
- stream of consciousness
- Streep, Meryl
- street
- streetcar
- Streetcar Named Desire, A
- street children
- street cred
- street-credible
- streetlight
- street people
- street-smart