Is it definitely or definately? If you’ve ever hesitated while typing this word, you’re not alone. It’s one of those everyday English words that sounds simple but can be surprisingly difficult to spell.
The correct spelling is definitely. The spelling definately is incorrect.
Definitely is an adverb that means certainly, without doubt, or for sure. You use it to express confidence, strong agreement, or certainty about something.
For example:
- Correct: I will definitely attend the meeting.
- Incorrect: I will definately attend the meeting.
- Correct: She is definitely interested in the opportunity.
- Incorrect: She is definately interested in the opportunity.
Why do people make this mistake? The middle vowels in definitely are often unclear in everyday pronunciation. That makes it tempting to replace the second i with an a.
Fortunately, there’s a reliable spelling trick: definitely comes from definite, and definite contains finite—not finate.
This guide explains the difference between definitely vs definately, the meaning and pronunciation of definitely, how to use it in sentences, common spelling errors, related words, and practical ways to remember the correct spelling.
Quick Answer: Definitely vs Definately
Definitely is correct. Definately is a misspelling.
The word definitely means certainly, unquestionably, or without doubt.
| Word | Spelling | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| Definitely | Correct | Certainly; without doubt | I will definitely help you. |
| Definately | Incorrect | Misspelling of definitely | I will definately help you. |
The correct spelling is:
D-E-F-I-N-I-T-E-L-Y
Easy memory trick: Remember definite + -ly → definitely. The word contains finite, not finate.
TL;DR: Definitely vs Definately
- Definitely is the correct spelling in American and British English.
- Definately is a spelling mistake, not an accepted alternative.
- Definitely means certainly, without doubt, or for sure.
- The word is an adverb, while definite is an adjective.
- The correct spelling contains two i’s.
- Definitely and definitively are different words with related but distinct meanings.
- Defiantly means in a resistant or challenging manner; it does not mean definitely.
- The easiest way to remember the spelling is to find finite inside definitely.
Table of Contents
- Definitely vs Definately: Main Difference
- What Does Definitely Mean?
- Is Definately a Word?
- Why Is Definitely Spelled With an I?
- How to Spell Definitely Correctly
- Definitely Pronunciation and Syllables
- Definitely vs Definite
- Definitely vs Definitively
- Definitely vs Certainly
- When to Use Definitely
- Definitely in Professional Writing
- Definitely Synonyms and Antonyms
- Common Definitely Spelling Mistakes
- How to Remember Definitely Spelling
- Definitely Example Sentences
- Definitely vs Definately Practice Quiz
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Conclusion
- References and Further Reading
Definitely vs Definately: Main Difference
The difference between definitely and definately is spelling accuracy.
Definitely is a standard English adverb.
Definately is an incorrect spelling caused by replacing the second i in definitely with a.
These are not two separate words with different meanings. Only definitely is accepted in standard English.
Correct: Definitely
Examples:
- I will definitely call you tomorrow.
- She is definitely ready for the exam.
- This restaurant is definitely worth visiting.
- We should definitely review the report.
- He will definitely enjoy the movie.
Incorrect: Definately
These sentences contain spelling mistakes:
- I will definately call you tomorrow.
- She is definately ready for the exam.
- This restaurant is definately worth visiting.
Replace definately with definitely in each sentence.
Definitely vs Definately Comparison
| Feature | Definitely | Definately |
|---|---|---|
| Standard spelling | Correct | Incorrect |
| Part of speech | Adverb | Not a separate standard word |
| Meaning | Certainly; without doubt | Intended misspelling of definitely |
| Middle vowel | i | a |
| American English | Correct | Incorrect |
| British English | Correct | Incorrect |
| Formal writing | Appropriate when certainty is intended | Spelling error |
| Example | I definitely agree. | I definately agree. |
Key takeaway: Always use definitely when you mean certainly or without doubt.
What Does Definitely Mean?
Definitely is an adverb that expresses certainty, strong confidence, agreement, or emphasis.
Its meaning depends slightly on how it’s used.
Definitely Meaning Certainly
Use definitely when you’re confident that something is true or will happen.
Examples:
- I will definitely be there.
- She will definitely enjoy the trip.
- We are definitely going to finish today.
- He will definitely remember your kindness.
Definitely Meaning Without Doubt
Definitely can emphasize that the speaker has little or no doubt about a statement.
Examples:
- This is definitely the right choice for me.
- She is definitely qualified for the position.
- That was definitely a difficult decision.
- The instructions are definitely clearer now.
These sentences express the speaker’s confidence. They do not necessarily prove the statements are objectively true.
Definitely Meaning Strong Agreement
In everyday conversation, definitely can stand alone as a response.
Question: Are you coming to the party?
Answer: Definitely!
Here, definitely means yes, certainly.
Other examples:
- Definitely! I’d love to join you.
- Yes, I definitely agree.
- Definitely, that sounds like a good idea.
Definitely Meaning Emphasis
Definitely can make a statement sound stronger.
Examples:
- You should definitely try this recipe.
- That movie is definitely worth watching.
- We definitely need more time.
- This book is definitely useful for beginners.
Is Definitely an Adverb?
Yes. Definitely is an adverb, not an adjective.
It commonly emphasizes certainty about an action, description, or statement.
Examples:
- I will definitely attend.
- She is definitely ready.
- They have definitely improved.
Is Definately a Word?
Definately is not a standard English word. It is a common misspelling of definitely.
You may see definately in text messages, social media posts, emails, or online comments, but that doesn’t make it the correct spelling.
Why Do People Write Definately?
The main reason is pronunciation.
In natural speech, the unstressed vowels in definitely may be reduced, making the middle of the word less clear.
As a result, some writers mistakenly use a instead of i.
Is Definately Correct in American English?
No. The correct American English spelling is definitely.
Is Definately Correct in British English?
No. British English also uses definitely.
Unlike words such as color/colour or center/centre, definitely does not have a different standard regional spelling.
Can Definately Be Used Informally?
People sometimes write definately accidentally in casual communication.
However, it remains a spelling mistake.
For accurate writing, always use definitely.
Why Is Definitely Spelled With an I?
The correct spelling becomes easier when you understand how the word is formed.
Definitely comes from the adjective definite.
The adjective definite means clear, certain, exact, or firmly established.
When the adverb-forming suffix -ly is added, the final e of definite is dropped.
Definite + -ly → Definitely
The Word Finite Inside Definitely
Look closely:
DE + FINITE + LY
The word finite appears inside definitely.
This gives you an easy memory trick:
Definitely contains finite, not finate.
Word Formation Table
| Word | Part of Speech | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Finite | Adjective | Having limits or an end |
| Definite | Adjective | Clear, certain, or specific |
| Definitely | Adverb | Certainly; without doubt |
| Indefinite | Adjective | Not clearly fixed or limited |
| Definitively | Adverb | In a conclusive or final way |
Why Is Definately Incorrect?
The base adjective is definite, not definate.
Therefore, the related adverb is definitely, not definately.
This word-family connection is more reliable than trying to spell the word by sound.
How to Spell Definitely Correctly
The correct spelling is:
D-E-F-I-N-I-T-E-L-Y
Definitely has 10 letters.
Step 1: Start With DE
Write:
D-E
Step 2: Add FINITE
Write:
F-I-N-I-T-E
Now you have:
DEFINITE
Step 3: Add LY
Add the adverb ending:
L-Y
The final word is:
DEFINITE + LY → DEFINITELY
Step 4: Check the Two I’s
Definitely contains two i letters:
D-E-F-I-N-I-T-E-L-Y
Make sure you haven’t replaced the second i with a.
Step 5: Practice in a Sentence
Write:
I will definitely remember this spelling.
Repeat it several times until the spelling feels familiar.
Correct and Incorrect Spellings
| Spelling | Status |
|---|---|
| Definitely | Correct |
| Definately | Incorrect |
| Definetly | Incorrect |
| Definatly | Incorrect |
| Defintely | Incorrect |
| Definitley | Incorrect |
| Definetely | Incorrect |
Spelling tip: If you can spell definite, you can spell definitely.
Definitely Pronunciation and Syllables
Definitely is commonly pronounced DEF-in-it-lee in careful American English.
A common American English IPA transcription is /ˈdefɪnətli/.
Pronunciation Breakdown
| Part | Approximate Sound |
|---|---|
| Def | DEF |
| i | ih |
| nite | nit |
| ly | lee |
The main stress falls on the first syllable.
How Many Syllables Are in Definitely?
Definitely is generally described as having four syllables in careful pronunciation:
def-i-nite-ly
In faster speech, some unstressed sounds may be reduced or omitted.
Why Does Pronunciation Cause Spelling Mistakes?
English often reduces unstressed vowels to a weak sound called schwa.
Because the middle of definitely can sound unclear, people may mistakenly write definately.
Important: Pronunciation may vary, but the correct spelling remains definitely.
Definitely vs Definite
Definite and definitely are both correct English words, but they serve different grammatical purposes.
Definite is an adjective.
Definitely is an adverb.
What Does Definite Mean?
Definite means clear, certain, exact, or firmly established.
Examples:
- We need a definite answer.
- She has a definite plan.
- The meeting has a definite starting time.
- He gave a definite response.
What Does Definitely Mean?
Definitely expresses certainty about something.
Examples:
- I will definitely answer.
- She will definitely attend.
- The meeting will definitely start on time.
- He definitely understands the instructions.
Definitely vs Definite Comparison
| Definite | Definitely |
|---|---|
| Adjective | Adverb |
| A definite answer | I definitely agree |
| A definite plan | We will definitely go |
| A definite decision | She definitely decided |
| Describes a noun | Expresses certainty about an action or statement |
Common Grammar Mistake
Incorrect: I am definite going.
Correct: I am definitely going.
Use definitely when you want to emphasize certainty about an action.
Definitely vs Definitively
Definitely and definitively are both correct adverbs, but their meanings are not identical.
Definitely Meaning
Definitely means certainly or without doubt.
Example:
I will definitely attend the meeting.
The speaker is expressing confidence about attending.
Definitively Meaning
Definitively means in a final, conclusive, or authoritative manner.
Example:
The investigation definitively established the cause.
This sentence emphasizes a conclusive finding.
Comparison Table
| Definitely | Definitively |
|---|---|
| Expresses certainty | Expresses conclusiveness |
| I definitely agree. | The issue was definitively resolved. |
| She will definitely attend. | The study definitively answered the question. |
| Common in everyday speech | Common in formal analysis and reporting |
Are They Interchangeable?
Sometimes their meanings overlap, but replacing one with the other can change the emphasis.
Compare:
The results definitely support the conclusion.
This expresses confidence that the results provide support.
The results definitively establish the conclusion.
This makes a stronger claim that the results settle the matter conclusively.
Definitely vs Defiantly
Another confusing word is defiantly.
Definitely means certainly.
Defiantly means in a challenging, resistant, or disobedient manner.
Examples:
- She definitely refused the offer. — The refusal is certain.
- She defiantly refused the offer. — She refused in a resistant manner.
Both sentences are grammatical, but their meanings differ.
Definitely vs Certainly
Definitely and certainly are close synonyms.
Both can express confidence, agreement, or a lack of doubt.
When to Use Definitely
Definitely often sounds direct, confident, and conversational.
Examples:
- I will definitely come.
- This is definitely worth trying.
- I definitely agree.
When to Use Certainly
Certainly can sound slightly more formal or polite in some situations.
Examples:
- I will certainly review the document.
- You may certainly contact us.
- Certainly, I can help.
Comparison Table
| Definitely | Certainly |
|---|---|
| Strong, direct certainty | Certainty or polite agreement |
| Definitely! | Certainly! |
| I definitely agree. | I certainly agree. |
| Common in casual speech | Common in casual and formal speech |
Are They Always Interchangeable?
Not always.
Definitely! can sound enthusiastic in casual conversation.
Certainly. may sound more reserved or professional, depending on context and tone.
Both are correct, but their style can differ.
When to Use Definitely
Use definitely when you want to express certainty, strong agreement, confidence, or emphasis.
Before a Main Verb
Definitely often appears before the main verb.
Examples:
- I definitely recommend this book.
- We definitely need more information.
- She definitely understands the instructions.
After an Auxiliary Verb
Definitely often appears after helping verbs such as will, can, and have.
Examples:
- I will definitely attend.
- She can definitely help.
- We have definitely improved.
After the Verb Be
Definitely commonly appears after forms of be when emphasizing a description.
Examples:
- She is definitely ready.
- They are definitely interested.
- This is definitely important.
At the Beginning of a Sentence
Definitely can stand alone or appear at the beginning of a sentence to express agreement.
Examples:
- Definitely! That sounds great.
- Definitely, we should discuss this further.
Definitely Yes and Definitely Not
Both expressions are correct.
Examples:
- Definitely yes. I want to participate.
- Definitely not. That would be unsafe.
- I am definitely not interested in that option.
Common Placement Mistakes
| Less Natural or Incorrect | Better |
|---|---|
| I definitely will to attend. | I will definitely attend. |
| She definitely is ready. | She is definitely ready. |
| I am definite going. | I am definitely going. |
| He will attend definitely. | He will definitely attend. |
Some alternative placements, such as “She definitely is ready,” are grammatical when used for special emphasis. The preferred versions are generally more natural in neutral everyday writing.
Definitely in Professional Writing
Definitely is useful in workplace communication when you want to express clear confidence or agreement.
Confirming Attendance
Example:
Thank you for the invitation. I will definitely attend the meeting.
Expressing Agreement
Example:
I definitely agree that we should review the proposal before making a decision.
Recommending an Option
Example:
I would definitely recommend reviewing the updated figures before submitting the report.
Confirming Availability
Example:
I can definitely join the call on Thursday afternoon.
Showing Interest
Example:
I am definitely interested in learning more about this opportunity.
When to Avoid Definitely in Formal Reports
Definitely expresses strong confidence, but it does not provide evidence.
Compare:
Overconfident: The new strategy will definitely increase sales.
More precise: Based on the current forecast, the strategy is expected to increase sales.
The second sentence communicates a prediction without presenting an uncertain outcome as guaranteed.
Professional Alternatives
Depending on context, you can use:
- Certainly
- Without doubt
- Clearly
- The evidence confirms
- The findings establish
Choose the expression that accurately reflects the available evidence.
Definitely Synonyms and Antonyms
Definitely has several synonyms, but they differ slightly in tone and strength.
Synonyms of Definitely
| Synonym | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Certainly | Without doubt | I will certainly attend. |
| Absolutely | Completely or unquestionably | I absolutely agree. |
| Undoubtedly | Without doubt | She is undoubtedly talented. |
| Unquestionably | Beyond question | This is unquestionably important. |
| Surely | With confidence or expectation | Surely, we can find a solution. |
| Clearly | In an obvious manner | The results clearly show improvement. |
| For sure | Certainly; informal | I’ll be there for sure. |
These expressions overlap with definitely, but they are not interchangeable in every sentence.
Antonyms and Opposite Expressions
| Opposite Expression | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Possibly | Something may happen |
| Perhaps | Expresses uncertainty |
| Maybe | Something is uncertain |
| Uncertainly | In an uncertain manner |
| Doubtfully | With doubt |
| Not necessarily | Not certain in every case |
Definitely vs Probably
Definitely expresses strong certainty.
Probably means something is likely but not certain.
Compare:
- I will definitely attend. — The speaker is confident.
- I will probably attend. — The speaker thinks attendance is likely.
This distinction matters when making promises or communicating expectations.
Common Definitely Spelling Mistakes
Definitely is often misspelled because its unstressed middle syllables are difficult to hear clearly.
Common Misspellings Table
| Incorrect Spelling | Correct Spelling | Main Problem |
|---|---|---|
| Definately | Definitely | A replaces I |
| Definetly | Definitely | Incorrect middle vowel |
| Definatly | Definitely | Incorrect vowels and missing letter |
| Defintely | Definitely | Missing I |
| Definitley | Definitely | Incorrect letter order near the ending |
| Definetely | Definitely | Incorrect middle vowel |
| Definantly | Definitely | Incorrect vowel and ending |
| Definatelyy | Definitely | Incorrect vowel and extra Y |
Mistake 1: Definitely vs Definately
Incorrect: I will definately call you.
Correct: I will definitely call you.
Mistake 2: Definitely vs Definetly
Incorrect: She is definetly interested.
Correct: She is definitely interested.
Mistake 3: Definitely vs Definatly
Incorrect: This is definatly important.
Correct: This is definitely important.
Mistake 4: Definitely vs Defintely
Incorrect: I defintely agree.
Correct: I definitely agree.
Mistake 5: Definitely vs Defiantly
Both definitely and defiantly are real words.
Definitely expresses certainty.
Defiantly describes resistance.
Compare:
- He definitely answered the question.
- He defiantly answered the question.
The first emphasizes certainty; the second describes his attitude.
Mistake 6: Using Definitely for an Uncertain Prediction
Overconfident: The event will definitely happen tomorrow.
More accurate when plans remain uncertain: The event is scheduled for tomorrow.
Use definitely only when your confidence supports it.
How to Remember Definitely Spelling
These memory tricks can help you avoid writing definately.
Memory Trick 1: Find FINITE
The easiest method is to recognize finite inside definitely.
DE + FINITE + LY = DEFINITELY
Remember:
Definitely contains finite, never finate.
Memory Trick 2: Start With Definite
First spell:
DEFINITE
Then change it into an adverb:
DEFINITE + LY → DEFINITELY
Memory Trick 3: Remember Two I’s
Definitely contains two i letters.
D-E-F-I-N-I-T-E-L-Y
The misspelling definately replaces the second i with a.
Memory Trick 4: Break the Word Into Chunks
Divide the spelling into:
DE – FIN – ITE – LY
Practice writing each part.
Memory Trick 5: Use a Familiar Sentence
Write:
I will definitely remember this.
Repeat it until the spelling feels familiar.
Memory Trick 6: Check the Base Word
Whenever you’re unsure, ask:
Is the adjective definite or definate?
The answer is definite.
Therefore, the adverb is definitely.
Definitely Example Sentences
These examples show how definitely works in everyday American English.
10 Everyday Sentences
- I will definitely call you tomorrow.
- She is definitely coming to dinner.
- This movie is definitely worth watching.
- We should definitely try that restaurant.
- He will definitely enjoy the gift.
- I definitely remember meeting her.
- They are definitely planning a vacation.
- This is definitely a good idea.
- You should definitely bring a jacket.
- I am definitely excited about the trip.
10 School and Learning Sentences
- I will definitely finish my homework tonight.
- The teacher will definitely explain the assignment.
- She definitely understands the lesson.
- We should definitely study for the test.
- This book is definitely useful for beginners.
- He will definitely improve with practice.
- I definitely learned something new today.
- The class is definitely interesting.
- Students should definitely check their spelling.
- This example definitely makes the rule clearer.
10 Professional Sentences
- I will definitely attend the meeting.
- We should definitely review the proposal.
- She is definitely qualified for the position.
- I would definitely recommend this approach.
- The team will definitely need more time.
- We should definitely consider the feedback.
- I am definitely interested in the opportunity.
- This report is definitely worth reviewing.
- The manager will definitely appreciate the update.
- We can definitely discuss this tomorrow.
5 Sentences With Definitely Not
- I am definitely not ready to leave.
- This is definitely not the correct answer.
- She is definitely not interested in the offer.
- We should definitely not ignore the warning.
- That is definitely not what I meant.
5 Short Conversation Examples
Conversation 1
A: Are you coming tomorrow?
B: Definitely!
Conversation 2
A: Do you recommend this book?
B: Yes, definitely.
Conversation 3
A: Should we check the instructions?
B: Definitely.
Conversation 4
A: Are you interested in the position?
B: I’m definitely interested.
Conversation 5
A: Is that the correct spelling?
B: Yes, it’s definitely correct.
Definitely vs Definately Practice Quiz
Test your understanding of the correct spelling, meaning, and grammar.
Multiple-Choice Questions
1. Which spelling is correct?
A. Definately
B. Definitely
C. Definetly
2. Which sentence is correctly spelled?
A. I will definately attend.
B. I will definitely attend.
C. I will definetly attend.
3. What does definitely mean?
A. Possibly
B. Without doubt
C. Rarely
4. What part of speech is definitely?
A. Noun
B. Adjective
C. Adverb
5. Which adjective is definitely derived from?
A. Definate
B. Definite
C. Definant
6. Which sentence uses definitely correctly?
A. She is definitely ready.
B. She is definite ready.
C. She is definately ready.
7. What does definitively usually emphasize?
A. A final or conclusive determination
B. An uncertain possibility
C. A repeated action
8. What does defiantly mean?
A. Certainly
B. In a resistant or challenging manner
C. Quietly
9. Which expression communicates stronger certainty?
A. Probably
B. Maybe
C. Definitely
10. Which memory trick is correct?
A. Definitely contains finate.
B. Definitely contains finite.
C. Definitely contains finete.
Quiz Answers and Explanations
| Question | Correct Answer | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | B. Definitely | Standard English spelling |
| 2 | B | Definitely uses I, not A |
| 3 | B. Without doubt | Expresses certainty |
| 4 | C. Adverb | Expresses certainty about a statement or action |
| 5 | B. Definite | Definite + -ly → definitely |
| 6 | A | Correct spelling and adverb use |
| 7 | A | Definitively emphasizes conclusiveness |
| 8 | B | Defiantly describes resistance |
| 9 | C. Definitely | Stronger certainty than probably or maybe |
| 10 | B | The word contains finite |
Bonus Exercise: Correct the Mistakes
1. I will definately call you.
Correct: I will definitely call you.
2. She is definetly interested.
Correct: She is definitely interested.
3. This is definatly important.
Correct: This is definitely important.
4. He is definite coming.
Correct: He is definitely coming.
5. I defintely agree.
Correct: I definitely agree.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it definitely or definately?
Definitely is the correct spelling. Definately is a common misspelling and is not accepted in standard English.
Is definately a real word?
Definately is not a separate standard English word. It is an incorrect spelling of definitely.
How do you spell definitely correctly?
Spell it D-E-F-I-N-I-T-E-L-Y. A useful memory trick is definite + -ly → definitely.
Why do people spell definitely as definately?
The unstressed vowels in definitely can be difficult to distinguish in speech. This leads some writers to replace the second i with a.
What does definitely mean?
Definitely means certainly, without doubt, or unquestionably. It expresses confidence, strong agreement, or emphasis.
What is the difference between definitely and definitively?
Definitely expresses certainty. Definitively usually emphasizes that something has been established or settled conclusively.
Is definitely an adjective or an adverb?
Definitely is an adverb. The related adjective is definite.
Is definitely the same in American and British English?
Yes. Definitely is the correct spelling in both American and British English. Definately is incorrect in both.
Conclusion
The difference between definitely vs definately is straightforward: definitely is correct, and definately is a spelling mistake.
Definitely is an adverb meaning certainly, without doubt, or for sure. You can use it to express confidence, agreement, or emphasis.
The correct spelling is:
D-E-F-I-N-I-T-E-L-Y
The easiest way to remember it is to recognize finite inside definitely.
Definite + -ly → Definitely
Also remember these related words:
- Definite — An adjective meaning clear or certain.
- Definitely — An adverb expressing certainty.
- Definitively — An adverb emphasizing a final or conclusive result.
- Defiantly — An adverb describing resistant or challenging behavior.
Whether you’re writing a school assignment, professional email, social media post, or everyday message, always choose definitely.
With practice and the spelling tricks in this guide, you can use the word confidently and avoid one of English’s most common spelling mistakes.
References and Further Reading
- Merriam-Webster Dictionary: Definitely — Meaning, pronunciation, and usage.
- Cambridge Dictionary: Definitely — American English definitions and examples.
- Merriam-Webster Dictionary: Definite — Adjective meaning and related forms.
- Cambridge Dictionary: Definitively — Conclusive meaning and usage.
- Merriam-Webster Dictionary: Defiantly — Meaning and pronunciation.