definitelydef‧i‧nite‧ly /ˈdefɪnətli, ˈdefənətli/ ●●● S1 AWL adverb 
‘Do you reckon Margot will be there?’ ‘Definitely not.’ The hotel fitness centre is definitely worth a visit. I definitely need a holiday.
EXAMPLES FROM OTHER DICTIONARIES
- According to the data, we can definitely say that pollution is increasing.
- It's definitely cold and flu season.
- And she had definitely been shaken by the arrival of that letter.
- It had taken 10 years for the states definitely to decide where they stood on the question of integration or association.
- It is most definitely a thriller, but with strong romantic undertones.
- It would definitely be one of three teams, Sunderland, Bristol, or Coventry.
- The record should reflect that the witness definitely waved directly at the camera.
- They haven't released much, and certainly took their time making this one, but it was definitely worth it.
- They will definitely relate to customer service and product quality.
- Yet with all his hard work and, definitely, hers, too, he seemed hardly to make a living.
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.''
when someone asks you a question spoken · "Have you lived here long?" "Yes, about 10 years."· "Did you watch 'Trial and Retribution' last night?" "Yes, wasn't it good?"· If you're asking me whether I think we should do it, the answer is yes.yes, please (=say this to politely accept something that someone offers you) · "Would you like some wine?" "Yes, please."
spoken informal · "Are you ready, Chrissie?" "Yeah, yeah, I'm just coming."· "Was it £2000 that your car cost?" "Yeah, that's right."· "Do you think you may have to retire from athletics soon?'' "Well, yeah, I suppose so.''
spoken informal especially American · "Do you have the time, please?'' "Sure, it's three o'clock.''· "We're going to the beach this afternoon - want to come?'' "Sure, that 'd be great.''
spoken say this when you want to agree strongly with something, or to make it clear that you are definitely going to do something: · "I think Mark would make a good team captain, don't you?" "Definitely!"· "Are you going to Sonya's party?" "Definitely! It should be really fun."
spoken say this when you are surprised or annoyed that someone has asked you something, or to make your answer strong: · "Do you know when my birthday is?'' "Of course, it's next Wednesday.''of course I am/she is/you can etc: · "Are you feeling nervous?" "Of course I am, it's a very important speech."
spoken say this when you think the person asking the question is hoping for a different answer: · "You're not going out, are you?'' "I'm afraid so. But I won't be long."· "School doesn't start again next week, does it?" "Yes, I'm afraid so, Charlie."
formal written to say yes - use this when someone says yes in a formal or public situation, for example in a law court: · When asked if he recognized the defendant, the witness replied in the affirmative.· Are men more mechanical than women? 67% of all men responding to our poll answered in the affirmative.
COLLOCATIONS FROM THE ENTRY ‘Do you reckon Margot will be there?’ ‘Definitely not.’COLLOCATIONS FROM OTHER ENTRIES
‘Do you reckon Margot will be there?’ ‘Definitely not.’· We would definitely recommend these books to students in fourth to sixth grade.
COLLOCATIONS FROM THE CORPUSVERB· The ghost had definitely got into the machine.· I definitely get the idea they want to send me home in a box.· For a start, she had definitely got the impression that Miss Philimore always did her buying in person.· It had never happened in just this way before, but he was definitely getting the Christmas spirit.· Early spring colour My favourites have definitely got to be those which flower early in January and February.· He still wishes to pursue a medical career, and has been told that he will almost definitely get into medical school.· She has definitely got something to hold over old rival Adam.· I think it's definitely getting stormy.
· Apart from peg 40 immediately below the Teme it was definitely going to be a feeder job.· We were definitely going for the existential crime-drama thing.· He would definitely go to the pub later, he decided.· But it is definitely going to happen, said Parmenter.· David and Jane's house was definitely gone and they were in their magnificent new barn, cynosure of the Mattole.· If Mr Punsalong hit me with all that emotion, I was definitely going to die and be dead.· A thaw has set in and clerk of the course Ian Renton reports racing will definitely go ahead.· They can definitely go as far as 300 in next three or four months.
· He looked definitely iffy to me, but not the sort of bad lad who carries out hits.· Things were definitely looking up, though there was no news from the outside world to prove it.· It took a while for me to notice any difference to my skin, but two months later it definitely looked fresher.· The human was definitely looking at her.
· The association continues next year - P.S. Does anyone know a good hockey coach - we definitely need one!· The sources have said Johnston definitely needs surgery if he wants to play football again.· I would definitely need to try to find some help from somewhere.
· And any woman wanting a baby should definitely think twice, because that really is an eternal bond.· I think definitely that the environment is us.· But I definitely think Mugabe will not be able to stay in office until his term expires in 2002.· I think definitely there is a correlation there.· And I definitely think that taking drugs is disgusting.· Yes, I definitely think it's dangerous.· But I definitely think you should come and meet Kathleen tomorrow.
· But I definitely want some live dates set up by the new year at the latest.· I definitely want to get back in.· Mr. Turner Yes, I definitely want to do that.· Mackey definitely wanted Raymo in on this.· You definitely want to be at full strength.
WORD FAMILYadjectivedefinite ≠ indefiniteadverbdefinitely ≠ indefinitely
without any doubt SYN certainly: ‘Do you reckon Margot will be there?’ ‘Definitely not.’ The hotel fitness centre is definitely worth a visit. I definitely need a holiday.