Definately Or Definitely: Clearing Up The Confusion

When it comes to spelling, the confusion between “definately” and “definitely” is all too common. Many people mistakenly use “definately,” but that’s not the correct spelling.

Understanding the proper spelling is essential for clear communication. A simple mistake can change the meaning of your message and affect your credibility

In this article, we’ll discuss the differences between these two words and help you confidently use “definitely” in your writing.

Understanding Definately And Definitely

Before we get into the spelling comparison, let’s discuss the fact that “definately” does not exist in the English language. It’s simply a misspelled version of the correct word, “definitely.”

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Definately: Definition and Usage

“Definately” is a common typo caused by the distinct pronunciation of the word “definitely.” The problem occurs because the way we say the word doesn’t quite match its spelling. 

When we hear it, the sound may trick us into writing “definately,” leading to this frequent mistake.

Here are some frequently made mistakes using “definately”:

• “I will definately be there by 5 p.m.”
• “She is definately the best candidate for the position.”
• “We should definately try that restaurant.”

Definately is not recognized as a valid word. It’s a classic spelling error that can undermine the professionalism of your writing, especially in formal contexts like business correspondence or occupational writing. 

Definitely: Definition and Usage

Definitely is an adverb. This is used to express something that is certain, clear, or free from doubt. It’s a powerful word, often used in both casual and formal contexts to emphasize the certainty of a statement.

Examples of correct usage:

• “I will definitely be there by 5pm”
• “She is definitely the best candidate for the job.”
• “We should definitely try that restaurant.”

In formal writing or business emails, this correct spelling helps maintain the professionalism and reliability of your communication.

Side-by-Side Comparison

Let’s look at a quick side-by-side spelling comparison to further drive home the differences between these two words:

Aspect	Definately (Incorrect)	Definitely (Correct)
Spelling	d-e-f-i-n-a-t-e-l-y	d-e-f-i-n-i-t-e-l-y
Pronunciation	Sounds similar to “definitely”	/ˈdɛfɪnətli/ – deh-fuh-nut-lee
Meaning	N/A (invalid word)	Without doubt; certainly
Context	Common typo or mistake	Correct and valid in both formal and informal settings

The Origin of “Definitely”

Definitely comes from the Latin word definitus, which means “defined” or “limited.” The root, finis, means “end” or “boundary,” and when combined with the prefix de-, it forms a sense of something being determined or clearly defined. This is where the modern meaning of certainly or without a doubt comes from.

So, when you write “definitely,” you’re effectively saying something is clear, unquestionably defined, and without ambiguity. Knowing the Latin roots can act as a helpful mnemonic device to improve your spelling.

Everyday Usage Examples

Let’s look at some everyday usage examples to help solidify your understanding of how and when to use “definitely.” These examples span both formal and casual contexts.

Formal Examples

• “The meeting is definitely scheduled for tomorrow.”
• “Our team will definitely deliver the project by the deadline.”

Casual Examples

• “That’s definitely the best movie I’ve seen this year!”
• “You should definitely join us for dinner tonight.”

Notice how the word can adapt to both professional and colloquial settings, making it highly versatile.

How to Pronounce Definitely?

Definitely is pronounced as:

/ˈdefɪnətli/

Here’s a breakdown of the pronunciation:

• “Def” sounds like “deh” (rhymes with “left”).
• “i” is pronounced as a short “i” (like in “sit”).
• “nite” sounds like “nit” (like in “knit”).
• “ly” sounds like “lee” (like in “quickly”).

So, it comes out as deh-fuh-nit-lee.

The emphasis is on the first syllable (“def”), making the word sound clear and direct.

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How Do You Spell “Definitely”?

Spelling the word correctly is key to avoiding embarrassing mistakes. Definitely is spelled:

d-e-f-i-n-i-t-e-l-y

Breaking it down, remember that the core of the word is “finite” (as in, having limits), with the prefix “de-” indicating something removed from limits (i.e., certain).

Here’s a simple spelling tip: Think of the word “finite” inside “definitely.” When you think about “finite,” it implies something bounded. Add “de-” in front of it, and you get something without limits or uncertainty, making it “definitely.”

How to Avoid Spelling Mistakes

Spelling mistakes happen to everyone, but there are some ways to minimize them, especially when it comes to tricky words like “definitely.” Here are some spelling improvement tips:

• Proofread: Always go back and double-check your writing. Even a quick glance can help you catch a misspelled version of words.
• Use a Spell-Checker: Most writing tools come with built-in spell-check features. However, don’t rely on these alone, as they can sometimes miss context-specific errors.
• Practice: Improving your spelling requires regular practice. Consider keeping a list of challenging words that you commonly get wrong.
• Mnemonic Devices: As mentioned earlier, remembering “finite” inside “definitely” is a helpful recall aid.

These strategies will enhance your spelling skills and make you more confident in both casual and businesslike writing situations.

What Does “Definitely” Mean?

Definitely is used when something is clear and free from any doubt. It’s a powerful adverb that emphasizes the certainty of a statement. Here are some examples to showcase how it expresses unquestionable certainty:

• “Certainly, this is the right path forward.”
• “That dish is definitely my favorite.”
• “We will unquestionably succeed with this plan.”

What Are Synonyms of “Definitely”?

To avoid repetition or just to spice up your writing, you can use synonyms for “definitely.” Here’s a list of alternatives:

• Certainly
• Undoubtedly
• Clearly
• Unquestionably
• Absolutely

Examples of Synonyms of Definitely

• Certainly: “She will certainly attend the meeting tomorrow.”
• Absolutely: “I absolutely agree with your decision.”
• Undoubtedly: “He is undoubtedly the best candidate for the job.”
• Unquestionably: “The team’s victory was unquestionably deserved.”
• Clearly: “She is clearly the most qualified for the promotion.”

What Are Some Phrases I Could Use Instead of “Definitely”?

In addition to synonyms, there are several common phrases that can replace “definitely” when you want to express certainty in a more conversational way. Here are some examples:

• Without a doubt: “This is, without a doubt, the best option.”
• Hands down: “Your idea is hands down the best one.”
• By all means: “You should by all means attend the event.”

Correct Sentences Using “Definitely”

1. I will definitely attend the conference next week.
2. This is definitely the best pizza I’ve ever had.
3. You should definitely try that new restaurant downtown.
4. We are definitely going to finish the project by Friday.
5. She is definitely the most qualified person for the job.
6. The weather will definitely improve by tomorrow.
7. I’m definitely not missing that concert!
8. This book is definitely worth reading.
9. He will definitely pass the exam with flying colors.
10. That was definitely the right decision to make.

Correct Sentences Using “Definitely”

1. I will definately attend the conference next week.
2. This is definately the best pizza I’ve ever had.
3. You should definately try that new restaurant downtown.
4. We are definately going to finish the project by Friday.
5. She is definately the most qualified person for the job.
6. The weather will definately improve by tomorrow.
7. I’m definately not missing that concert!
8. This book is definately worth reading.
9. He will definately pass the exam with flying colors.
10. That was definately the right decision to make.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is ‘definately’ ever correct?

No, “definately” is not a correct spelling in standard English. The correct spelling is “definitely.”

Why do people often misspell ‘definitely’?

People often misspell “definitely” due to its unique pronunciation and its similarity to other words. It’s essential to practice and pay attention to spelling to avoid this mistake.

Can I use ‘definately’ as a playful variation?

While some may use it playfully or informally in online chats or texts, it is not considered correct in formal writing. It’s best to stick with “definitely” for formal communication.

Are there other tricky words like ‘definitely’?

Yes, English is full of tricky words and homophones that can trip you up. Examples include “their,” “they’re,” and “there,” or “your” and “you’re.” Learning these distinctions can improve your overall spelling and grammar.

How can I improve my spelling skills?

Improving your spelling skills takes practice and dedication. Read regularly, use spell-check tools, and pay attention to your mistakes.

Conclusion

The correct spelling is always “definitely,” not “definately.” This common spelling error is easy to make due to the distinct pronunciation of the word, but with a little practice and some spelling tips, you can avoid this mistake entirely. Whether you’re writing casual texts or formal emails, mastering the accurate spelling of “definitely” will help improve the authenticity and professionalism of your communication.