Definitely is the correct spelling, while definately is a misspelling. Use definitely when you want to express certainty, agreement, or the absence of doubt. Although definately may look reasonable and resemble the way the word sounds, it is not the standard spelling in American English.
For example:
- Correct: I will definitely finish the assignment today.
- Incorrect: I will definately finish the assignment today.
The easiest way to remember the correct spelling is to look for the word finite inside definite. Add -ly to definite, and you get definitely.
Definitely vs. Definately: What’s the Difference?
The difference between definitely and definately is spelling. Only definitely is the standard English word.
| Word | Status | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Definitely | Correct | Certainly; without any doubt |
| Definately | Incorrect | A common misspelling of definitely |
If you are writing a school paper, a work email, a social media post, or any other piece of standard English writing, choose definitely.
Example:
- Correct: She definitely knows the answer.
- Incorrect: She definately knows the answer.
The second sentence communicates the intended meaning, but the spelling should be corrected.
What Does Definitely Mean?
Definitely is an adverb that means certainly, without a doubt, or clearly and unambiguously. It emphasizes that a statement is true, a decision is firm, or an intention is strong.
Cambridge Dictionary and Merriam-Webster both recognize this meaning. The word can modify a verb or adjective, appear in a negative statement, or stand alone as a response.
1. Using Definitely to Express Certainty
Use definitely when you are confident about something.
Examples:
- I will definitely attend the meeting tomorrow.
- This is definitely the best option for our team.
- She definitely left her notebook in the classroom.
- We should definitely review the instructions before starting.
In each sentence, definitely strengthens the statement by communicating confidence.
2. Using Definitely to Emphasize a Decision
The word also works when expressing a firm intention, preference, or commitment.
Examples:
- I definitely want to visit California next summer.
- He is definitely applying for the new position.
- We will definitely consider your suggestion.
In these examples, the word emphasizes the speaker’s intention or position.
3. Using Definitely as a Standalone Answer
You can also use definitely by itself to express strong agreement or certainty.
Examples:
- “Would you recommend this book?” — “Yes, definitely!”
- “Are you joining us for dinner?” — “Definitely!”
This usage is common in conversation and informal messages. It is also appropriate in many professional exchanges when the tone is conversational.
Why Is Definitely So Often Misspelled?
The spelling definately is understandable as a mistake because the middle vowel in definitely is often unstressed in speech. When people pronounce a word quickly, its unstressed sounds may be less distinct, making it easier to guess the wrong spelling.
However, pronunciation alone is not a reliable guide to spelling. The best approach is to connect the word to its base form: definite.
An Easy Trick to Remember Definitely
Think of these three words:
- Finite: Having limits or an endpoint.
- Definite: Clear, certain, or precisely determined.
- Definitely: In a certain or unequivocal way.
The key is to remember that definite contains the letters f-i-n-i-t-e after the initial de. When you add -ly, the result is definitely, not definately.
A simple memory cue is: Definite + ly = Definitely
You can also check whether your spelling contains the complete sequence finite. If the word is written as definately, that sequence is missing, which signals the error.
For an additional check, use a reliable dictionary or your word processor’s spell-checking tool when you are unsure.
Definitely vs. Defiantly vs. Definitively
The spelling mistake becomes more confusing when you encounter words that look or sound similar. Two worth distinguishing are defiantly and definitively.
| Word | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Definitely | Certainly; without doubt | I will definitely call you. |
| Defiantly | In a resistant or openly challenging manner | The student defiantly refused to follow the rule. |
| Definitively | In a conclusive or final manner | The investigation definitively established the cause. |
Definitely vs. Defiantly
Definitely expresses certainty. Defiantly describes behavior that shows resistance or opposition.
Compare these sentences:
- She definitely disagreed with the decision.
- She defiantly challenged the decision in front of everyone.
The first sentence expresses confidence that she disagreed. The second describes how she acted when challenging the decision.
Because the two words differ by only a few letters, it is important to check that you have chosen the word that matches your intended meaning.
Definitely vs. Definitively
Definitely means that something is certain or beyond doubt. Definitively emphasizes a conclusive, authoritative, or final determination.
For example:
- I definitely remember meeting him.
- The report definitively answered the question.
The first sentence expresses certainty about a memory. The second indicates that the report settled the question conclusively.
Although the words are related, they are not interchangeable in every sentence.
Common Definitely Spelling Mistakes
Here are several examples showing how to correct the misspelling and use the word naturally.
| Incorrect | Correct |
|---|---|
| I will definately be there. | I will definitely be there. |
| This is definately worth trying. | This is definitely worth trying. |
| She definately said yes. | She definitely said yes. |
| We definately need more time. | We definitely need more time. |
| That was definately a mistake. | That was definitely a mistake. |
Notice that the correction does not change the meaning of any sentence. It simply replaces the misspelled word with its standard form.
How to Use Definitely in Professional Writing
In professional writing, definitely is useful when confirming plans, expressing confidence, or emphasizing a clear decision.
For example:
- I will definitely send the revised document by Friday.
- We should definitely discuss these changes before the next meeting.
- The proposed schedule is definitely more practical.
Use the word only when the degree of certainty matches your message. If a decision remains tentative, wording such as probably, possibly, or I expect to may be more accurate.
This is especially important in business communication, where readers may interpret definitely as a firm commitment.
Is Definately Ever Correct?
In standard English, no. Definately is a misspelling of definitely, not an accepted alternative spelling.
You may encounter it in social media posts, informal messages, comments, or other user-generated text. Seeing the spelling used online does not make it correct in standard writing.
If you are quoting someone directly, you may preserve the original spelling as part of the quotation. Otherwise, correct it when editing or proofreading.
Conclusion: Remember to Spell It Definitely
When choosing between definitely or definately, always use definitely in standard English. It means certainly or without any doubt, and it is the correct spelling for everyday, academic, and professional writing.
To remember it, start with definite and add -ly: definite + ly = definitely. Keeping the word finite in mind can help you avoid the common mistake of writing definately.
When in doubt, check the spelling before sending your message or publishing your work. A quick review can make your writing clearer and more professional.