Definitely Or Definately – How To Spell It Correctly

24.12.23 Spelling mistakes Time to read: 2min

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The correct spelling of words is crucial in academic writing since spelling errors can lead to misunderstandings and complicate conveying the correct meaning in the context. One of the main reasons why spelling errors occur is due to the varied spelling in other languages. A very common spelling mistake is made when using the word “definitely.” The following article will focus on all the aspects you need to know about it.

The correct spelling of “definitely”

The word “definitely” functions as an adverb and has only one correct spelling. It has a Latin origin deriving from the word “definitus” meaning “defined” or “limited.” In modern context, it emphasizes assertiveness or certainty of a statement or conveys a strong commitment, agreement, or confirmation.

Correct spelling

definitely

Incorrect spelling

definately

Due to its phonetics, it is imperative to learn how it is spelt correctly to avoid spelling mistakes. The word “definitely” is often misspelled as “definately,” as the second “i” often sounds like an “a.” However, it consists of two grammatical structures, the adjective “definite” and the suffix “-ly,” which commonly indicates adverbs. Thus, the first part of the word, representing the stem, does not change its form by adding the suffix.

Examples

  • The deadline is due soon, so he definitely needs to submit his work tomorrow.
  • The self-made drinks at the restaurant are definitely worth trying.
  • I will definitely book this holiday for the both of us.

Mnemonic for spelling “definitely”

Despite the difficult spelling of “definitely” there is a helpful mnemonic to remember the correct spelling.

Note: A helpful tip is to remember the two grammatical structures “definitely” consists of:

“definite” (adjective) + “-ly”(suffix for adverbs)

FAQs

No. “Definitely” means “certainly” while “defiantly” means “in a rebellious way.”

“Definitely” is usually used throughout one discourse, the word “definitively” is typically saved for the final say for emphasis.

“Definitely” is pronounced as dɛfənɪtli having four syllables. It is frequently misspelled as “definately” due to its phonetics. When it is pronounced, the second “i” sounds more like an “a.”

The word “definitely” translates to “without any doubt” and contextually emphasizes certainty or agreement in a sentence.

Words like “certainly,” “surely,” or “clearly” are some synonyms for the word “definitely.”

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From

Salome Stolle

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About the author

Salome Stolle works as the brand manager for the English market at BachelorPrint. Throughout her 12-year residency in Denmark, she completed her International baccalaureate and Master’s in Culture, Communication, and Globalization with a specialization in media and market consumption. Through this experience, she has gained advanced competencies in academic writing and a high proficiency level in the English language. With her passion for writing, she does not only deliver well-written content but also strives to adjust to the students’ demands.

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Cite This Article

Bibliography

Stolle, S. (2023, December 24). Definitely Or Definately – How To Spell It Correctly. BachelorPrint. https://www.bachelorprint.com/uk/spelling-mistakes/definitely-or-definately/ (retrieved 19/12/2024)

In-text citation

Parenthetical
(Stolle , 2023)
Narrative
Stolle (2023)

Bibliography

Stolle, Salome. 2023. "Definitely Or Definately – How To Spell It Correctly." BachelorPrint, Retrieved December 24, 2023. https://www.bachelorprint.com/uk/spelling-mistakes/definitely-or-definately/.

In-text citation

Parenthetical
(Stolle 2023)

Bibliography

Salome Stolle, "Definitely Or Definately – How To Spell It Correctly," BachelorPrint, December 24, 2023, https://www.bachelorprint.com/uk/spelling-mistakes/definitely-or-definately/ (retrieved December 19, 2024).

Footnotes

Short note
Stolle, "Shortened title."

Bibliography

Stolle, Salome: Definitely Or Definately – How To Spell It Correctly, in: BachelorPrint, 24/12/2023, [online] https://www.bachelorprint.com/uk/spelling-mistakes/definitely-or-definately/ (retrieved 19/12/2024).

Footnotes

Full note
Stolle, Salome: Definitely Or Definately – How To Spell It Correctly, in: BachelorPrint, 24/12/2023, [online] https://www.bachelorprint.com/uk/spelling-mistakes/definitely-or-definately/ (retrieved 19/12/2024).
Direct quote
Stolle, 2023.
Indirect quote
Stolle, 2023.

Bibliography

Stolle, Salome (2023): Definitely Or Definately – How To Spell It Correctly, in: BachelorPrint, [online] https://www.bachelorprint.com/uk/spelling-mistakes/definitely-or-definately/ (retrieved 19/12/2024).

In-text citation

Direct quote
(Stolle, 2023)
Indirect quote
(Stolle, 2023)
Narrative
Stolle (2023)

Bibliography

Stolle, Salome. "Definitely Or Definately – How To Spell It Correctly." BachelorPrint, 24/12/2023, https://www.bachelorprint.com/uk/spelling-mistakes/definitely-or-definately/ (retrieved 19/12/2024).

In-text citation

Parenthetical
(Stolle)
Narrative
Stolle

Bibliography

Number. Stolle S. Definitely Or Definately – How To Spell It Correctly [Internet]. BachelorPrint. 2023 [cited 19/12/2024]. Available from: https://www.bachelorprint.com/uk/spelling-mistakes/definitely-or-definately/


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