In this pair, only definitely is the correct spelling. Definately is a common misspelling that shows up in emails, comments, and even polished drafts. The meaning people want is still certainty, still clear agreement, still “without doubt”—it’s just the spelling that slips.
Correct Spelling: Definitely
The accepted form is definitely. The version definately is widely treated as a misspelling in writing instruction and editing, and it’s commonly listed among words people get wrong. The Open University even flags definitely as a word that is often spelt definately in its discussion of common misspellings.✅Source
- ✅ definitely is the standard spelling for the adverb that expresses certainty.
- ❌ definately is a spelling error, even when the meaning is totally clear.
- Note The confusion is mostly sound-based: the middle syllable often sounds like a soft “uh”, not a crisp “i”.
What Definitely Means
Definitely means “in a definite way,” or more simply: certainly, without doubt. It’s also used as a strong spoken-style answer, like “Definitely!”, and it appears in the firm negative phrase “definitely not.”✅Source
Definitely As An Adverb
In regular sentences, definitely strengthens a claim by adding certainty. The tone is confident, sometimes a bit emphatic.
- She is definitely coming.
- That is definitely the right file.
- The plan is definitely approved.
Definitely As A Standalone Answer
Used alone, Definitely! is a strong yes. In the negative form, definitely not is a strong no.
- “Are you joining?” — Definitely!
- “Is this optional?” — Definitely not.
- “Do you agree?” — Definitely, yes.
Why Definately Happens
The middle vowel in definitely is often reduced in speech, so the word can sound like “def-uh-nit-lee.” That soft sound nudges people toward “a”, and the typo definately looks plausible at a glance. It’s the same reason other near-misses show up: spelling follows sound, even when the correct form follows word structure.
- Sound: the unstressed syllable can hide the i.
- Pattern: English has many -ate words, so -ately feels familiar.
- Speed: fast typing makes definately feel “smooth”, even when it’s wrong.
Heads-Up Another mix-up is definitely vs defiantly. They look close, but the meanings are not related. Defiantly is about resistance; definitely is about certainty.
Related Words People Confuse
Definite is the adjective behind definitely. It points to something clear, set, or free of doubt, which is exactly the vibe definitely adds when it modifies a verb or sentence.✅Source
Definitive is different. It leans toward “final” or “complete,” like a definitive answer or a definitive edition. It’s about being settling, not just being sure.✅Source
| Word | Part Of Speech | Main Idea | Typical Feel | Example |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| definite | Adjective | clear, fixed, specific | clear-cut | We need a definite date. |
| definitely | Adverb | certainty, “without doubt” | firm, sometimes emphatic | I will definitely reply today. |
| definitive | Adjective | final, complete, authoritative | settling | That’s the definitive version. |
Real Examples With Definitely
Definitely is flexible. It can reinforce a fact, show commitment, or deliver a clean yes. In more formal writing, it still works, though it can feel stronger than the surrounding tone if the rest of the sentence is very neutral.
Positive Certainty
- This is definitely the latest version.
- She definitely noticed the change.
- That approach is definitely workable.
Firm Negatives
- That is definitely not what I meant.
- We are definitely not changing the scope.
- It’s definitely not a typo in the data.
Placement In sentences, definitely often appears near the verb (“I definitely agree”) or after a form of to be (“It is definitely true”). That’s why the word feels natural in both casual and professional writing.
Common Pitfalls And Lookalikes
Besides definately, other misspellings float around, especially when people write fast. A well-known university resource that lists common spelling mistakes includes forms like definitly mapped to the correct definitely.✅Source
- ❌ definately → definitely
- ❌ definitly → definitely
- ❌ definatly → definitely
- Watch defiantly is a different word with a different meaning, even though it can look close.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Is “Definately” Ever Correct?
No. Definately is treated as a misspelling. The standard form is definitely, used to express certainty.
Why Do People Spell It As “Definately”?
Mostly because of pronunciation. The middle vowel in definitely is often reduced, so the word can sound like “def-uh-”, which makes “a” feel tempting.
Is “Definitely” Formal Or Informal?
Definitely works in both. In very formal contexts it can read as extra-strong, but the meaning—certainly, without doubt—is still standard.
Can “Definitely” Be Used Alone?
Yes. Definitely! is a common standalone yes. The phrase definitely not is a strong no.
What’s The Difference Between “Definite” And “Definitive”?
Definite is about being clear or fixed. Definitive leans toward final or complete. They’re related, but they don’t mean the same thing.
Why Do Some People Type “Defiantly” By Accident?
Because the shapes are similar and autocorrect can be overconfident. Still, defiantly expresses defiance, while definitely expresses certainty.