Introduction
If you’ve ever typed definately and felt something looked off, you’re certainly not alone. “Definitely” is one of the most commonly misspelled words in English, appearing in emails, texts, essays, and even professional documents. The confusion mostly comes from the way the word sounds when spoken many people pronounce the middle syllable softly, leading to spelling errors like definately, definatly, or definitly. While the incorrect version is extremely common, only one spelling is accepted in formal, academic, and professional English.
Understanding the difference between definately and definitely is crucial if you want to write clearly, confidently, and professionally. In this article, you’ll learn the correct spelling, its meaning, pronunciation tips, easy memory tricks, example sentences, and a full breakdown of why definitely is the only correct form. By the end, you’ll never second-guess yourself again.
Definately vs Definitely: Quick Answer
- Definitely = ✔️ Correct spelling
- Definately = ❌ Incorrect spelling
- Definately is a very common but completely wrong variant. It should never be used in professional writing.
What Does “Definitely” Mean?
“Definitely” is an adverb that means certainly, surely, without a doubt, or clearly.
Examples
- I definitely agree with your decision.
- She will definitely attend the meeting tomorrow.
- This is definitely the best option we have.
The word is used to show confidence, clarity, or strong affirmation.
Why “Definately” Is Incorrect
“Definately” is a misspelling caused mainly by mispronunciation. Many speakers reduce the middle syllable (“i-tely”), making it sound like “def-uh-nit-lee,” which leads people to incorrectly insert “a.”
But in proper English spelling rules, the word comes from the root word definite, not defanite, so the correct structure must remain.
Correct Spelling Breakdown
To understand why definitely is the only correct form, let’s break it down:
| Word Part | Meaning | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| definite | clear, certain, exact | Root word |
| -ly | adverb ending | Added to create an adverb |
➡️ definite + ly = definitely
Since the root word is definite (not “defanite”), the correct spelling must preserve the “i-t-e.”
Common Misspellings of “Definitely”
Here are the most frequent incorrect versions:
- ❌ definately
- ❌ definatly
- ❌ definitly
- ❌ definently
- ❌ defanitely
- ❌ deffinately
Among all, definately is the most widespread mistake.
Why So Many People Spell It Wrong
There are three major reasons:
1. Speech Doesn’t Match Spelling
Many English speakers pronounce it quickly and drop the “i-te” sound.
2. The Middle Syllable Confuses Learners
The “nite” sound in “definite” doesn’t look the way it sounds, so people replace it with what “feels right.”
3. Fast Typing Mistakes
Even experienced writers often mistakenly type definately because of muscle memory and speed.
How to Remember the Correct Spelling (Easy Tricks)
✔️ Trick 1: Think of the word “finite”
definite → “de-finite” → definitely
If something is definite, it is finite—not endless.
✔️ Trick 2: “I am definitely in the word definitely.”
The letter I appears twice. This helps you remember:
- definitely
✔️ Trick 3: Break it into 3 parts
de + fini + tely
Pronounce it as: de–fin–it–ly
✔️ Trick 4: Use this mnemonic
“If you’re sure, spell it sure—DEFI-NITE-LY.”
Correct Usage of “Definitely” in Sentences
1. To show certainty
- We will definitely finish the project this week.
2. To strongly agree
- I definitely support your proposal.
3. To express clarity
- That is definitely the best restaurant in town.
4. To emphasize a promise
- I will definitely call you tomorrow.
5. To remove doubt
- He is definitely the right person for the job.
Incorrect Usage (Examples of Wrong Spelling)
These are all wrong:
❌ I will definately be there.
❌ That was definately the best day of my life.
❌ She definately wants to join us.
Replace all incorrect versions with definitely.
Grammar Tips: When to Use “Definitely”
Use “definitely” when you want to show:
- strong certainty
- complete agreement
- emphasis
- confidence in a fact
- clarity in a statement
It functions as an adverb, so it modifies verbs or adjectives.
Examples:
- Verb: I definitely understand.
- Adjective: That is definitely true.
Synonyms for “Definitely”
You can also use:
- certainly
- absolutely
- positively
- surely
- unquestionably
- indeed
- without a doubt
- clearly
- for sure
Example:
She will surely attend. = She will definitely attend.
Are There Any Contexts Where “Definately” Is Acceptable?
No.
Definately is never correct—not in American English, British English, academic writing, or informal writing.
If you see it online, it’s almost always a misspelling.
Definitely in American vs British English
Great news: the spelling is exactly the same in both versions of English.
| Version | Spelling |
|---|---|
| American English | definitely |
| British English | definitely |
No regional variations exist.
Examples of Definitely in Professional Writing
I definitely agree with your proposed timeline and will proceed accordingly.
Business
The client definitely prefers the revised version of the proposal.
Academic
This research definitely supports the hypothesis.
Customer Service
We definitely appreciate your feedback and will address the issue.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is “definately” ever correct?
No. It is always incorrect.
2. What is the correct spelling?
✔️ Definitely
3. Why is the word commonly misspelled?
Because its pronunciation does not fully match its spelling.
4. Is it “defiantly” or “definitely”?
“Defiantly” means “rebelliously,” which is a completely different word.
Example:
- She definitely said yes. (correct meaning: certainly)
- She defiantly said yes. (meaning: rebelliously)
Conclusion
“Definitely” is a powerful and commonly used adverb that expresses certainty, agreement, and clarity. However, it is also one of the most frequently misspelled words in English. The incorrect form definately appears often—but it is never acceptable in formal or informal writing. The correct spelling comes from the root word definite, which helps you remember the “i-t-e” pattern.
By applying the spelling tricks, pronunciation tips, and usage examples provided in this guide, you’ll be able to write “definitely” correctly every single time—with zero hesitation. Whether you’re composing emails, academic papers, business reports, or personal messages, mastering this spelling boosts your credibility and confidence as a writer.
