Absolutely

[0052] Definitely

🎲 Couldn't agree more
English Idioms
All Idioms

Explanation

  • Used to express certainty or strong agreement, similar to Absolutely.
  • Means without doubt.

Origin

  • Derived from the adjective definite, meaning certain, clear, or exact.
  • Standard English adverb used for emphasis.

Synonyms & Related Expressions

  • Absolutely.
  • Certainly.
  • Without a doubt.
  • For sure. (Informal)
  • Undoubtedly.
  • Surely.
  • You bet. (Informal)

Alternatives

Slang/Informal:

  • Totally.
  • 100%
  • For real.
  • Bet.
  • Defs. (Common abbreviation in text/online, especially UK/Aus)

Vulgar/Emphatic:

  • Damn right.
  • Fuck yeah. / Hell yeah.
  • No fucking doubt.

Milder/Standard:

  • Yes, certainly.
  • I'm sure of it.
  • That's certain.

Situational Appropriateness

  • Very versatile, suitable for informal, semi-formal, and most formal situations.
  • Slightly less intense than Absolutely but conveys strong certainty.

Misunderstanding Warnings

  • Unlikely to be misunderstood. Clear affirmation.

Examples

  • Person A: Will you be there tonight? Person B: Definitely.
  • Is this the right way? Definitely, I checked the map.
  • Person A: We should try that new restaurant. Person B: Definitely!

Dialogue

Sarah: Do you think we need more chairs for the party?

Ben: Definitely. We have at least 20 people coming.

Sarah: Okay, I'll borrow some from next door.

Ben: Sounds good.

Social Media Examples

  • Replying to Should I watch this show? -> Definitely! It's amazing.
  • Instagram poll answer: Q: Coming to the event? -> Option: Definitely!
  • Chat confirming plans: So, Friday at 8? -> Definitely 👍

Response Patterns

  • Okay, cool.
  • Great.
  • Good to know.
  • Leads into further planning or discussion.

Common Follow-up Questions/Actions

After someone confirms with Definitely:

  • The conversation often moves to logistics or related details (Okay, what time should I pick you up?).
  • If agreeing, the other person might concur (Great, let's make a reservation.).

Conversation Starter

  • No.
  • Always used in response.

Intonation

  • Confident tone.
  • Stress usually on the first syllable: DEF-in-ite-ly.
  • Falling intonation, signaling certainty. Can rise slightly with enthusiasm.

Generation Differences

  • Used commonly by all generations.
  • The abbreviation Defs is more common among Millennials and Gen Z, especially in text.

Regional Variations

  • Universal in all English-speaking regions.
  • Defs as an abbreviation might be more prevalent in the UK and Australia/NZ.
Absolutely
🎲 Couldn't agree more