When it comes to using the words “absolutely” and “definitely,” there may be some confusion as to which is the proper choice in certain situations. In this article, we will explore the similarities and differences between these two words and provide clarity on when to use each one.
It’s important to note that both “absolutely” and “definitely” are adverbs that express certainty or agreement. However, there are slight differences in their meanings.
“Absolutely” is often used to emphasize a statement or to indicate complete agreement. It can also be used to convey a sense of enthusiasm or excitement. For example, “I absolutely love this restaurant!”
“Definitely,” on the other hand, is used to express a strong affirmation or confirmation. It can also be used to indicate a clear and certain response to a question or statement. For example, “I will definitely be at the meeting tomorrow.”
While both words can be used interchangeably in some cases, it’s important to understand the subtle differences in their meanings to ensure clear communication.
In the following sections, we will dive deeper into the usage and examples of each word to provide a comprehensive understanding of their meanings.
Define Absolutely
Absolutely is an adverb used to indicate a complete agreement or confirmation with a statement or action. It is often used to emphasize the certainty of a situation or the truthfulness of a statement. For example, “I absolutely love chocolate” indicates a strong and unwavering affection for chocolate.
Absolutely can also be used to indicate the completeness of an action or situation. For instance, “I absolutely finished my work” means that all the tasks were completed without any exceptions or omissions.
Define Definitely
Definitely is an adverb used to indicate a clear and certain commitment to a statement or action. It is often used to express a strong conviction or assurance about something. For example, “I will definitely attend the meeting” indicates a firm and unwavering intention to be present at the meeting.
Definitely can also be used to indicate a clear and unambiguous answer or conclusion. For instance, “The answer is definitely yes” means that there is no doubt or uncertainty about the response.
While both absolutely and definitely convey a sense of certainty and conviction, they are used in slightly different contexts. Absolutely emphasizes the completeness of a situation or the truthfulness of a statement, whereas definitely emphasizes the certainty and commitment to a statement or action.
How To Properly Use The Words In A Sentence
Choosing the right words to convey a specific meaning is essential to effective communication. The English language is full of words that may seem interchangeable, but in reality, they have different connotations and are used in different contexts. Two such words are absolutely and definitely. In this section, we will discuss how to use these words correctly in a sentence.
How To Use absolutely In A Sentence
Absolutely is an adverb that means completely, without any doubt, or in every way. It is often used to emphasize a statement or to show agreement with someone else’s statement. Here are some examples of how to use absolutely in a sentence:
- “I am absolutely certain that I locked the door before leaving the house.”
- “The view from the top of the mountain was absolutely breathtaking.”
- “I absolutely agree with you that we should invest in renewable energy.”
As you can see from these examples, absolutely is used to add emphasis to a statement or to express complete certainty or agreement.
How To Use definitely In A Sentence
Definitely is also an adverb that means without a doubt, certainly, or clearly. It is often used to express certainty or to confirm something. Here are some examples of how to use definitely in a sentence:
- “I definitely remember meeting you at the conference last year.”
- “I will definitely be attending the concert next week.”
- “The new restaurant in town is definitely worth trying.”
As you can see from these examples, definitely is used to express certainty or to confirm something. It is often used to answer a question or to make a statement more forceful.
More Examples Of Absolutely & Definitely Used In Sentences
In this section, we will provide more examples of how the words “absolutely” and “definitely” can be used in sentences. These examples will help you understand the context in which these words are used and how they can be used to convey different meanings.
Examples Of Using “Absolutely” In A Sentence
- I am absolutely sure that I locked the door before leaving the house.
- The food at this restaurant is absolutely delicious.
- She is absolutely brilliant at solving complex problems.
- He was absolutely devastated when he heard the news.
- The view from the top of the mountain is absolutely breathtaking.
- We are absolutely thrilled to be here today.
- That is absolutely ridiculous!
- She is absolutely gorgeous in that dress.
- The concert was absolutely amazing.
- He is absolutely the best candidate for the job.
- It is absolutely essential that we finish this project on time.
As you can see from these examples, “absolutely” is often used to emphasize a point or to express a strong opinion. It can also be used to indicate certainty or to convey a sense of enthusiasm or excitement.
Examples Of Using “Definitely” In A Sentence
- I will definitely be attending the conference next month.
- She definitely deserves a promotion for all her hard work.
- He definitely needs to work on his communication skills.
- The weather will definitely be better tomorrow.
- We are definitely going to win this game.
- That is definitely not what I meant to say.
- She definitely has a talent for painting.
- The movie was definitely worth watching.
- He definitely knows what he is talking about.
- It is definitely a good idea to invest in this company.
“Definitely” is often used to express certainty or to indicate that something is true without a doubt. It can also be used to express agreement or to confirm a decision that has been made.
Common Mistakes To Avoid
When it comes to using the words “absolutely” and “definitely,” many people tend to use them interchangeably. However, this is a common mistake that can lead to confusion and miscommunication. Here are some of the most common mistakes to avoid:
Using “Absolutely” When You Mean “Definitely”
One of the most common mistakes people make is using “absolutely” when they really mean “definitely.” While both words are used to express certainty, “definitely” is the more appropriate choice when you want to convey a strong sense of conviction or assurance. “Absolutely,” on the other hand, is often used to emphasize agreement or confirmation.
For example:
- Incorrect: I absolutely want to go to the concert.
- Correct: I definitely want to go to the concert.
Using “Definitely” When You Mean “Probably”
Another common mistake is using “definitely” when you really mean “probably.” While “definitely” implies a high degree of certainty, “probably” suggests a likelihood or probability. Using “definitely” in situations where there is still some doubt can lead to confusion or misinterpretation.
For example:
- Incorrect: I definitely won’t be able to make it to the meeting.
- Correct: I probably won’t be able to make it to the meeting.
Offering Too Much Certainty
Finally, it’s important to avoid offering too much certainty when using these words. While they can be powerful tools for expressing conviction and assurance, they should be used sparingly and only when appropriate. Overusing these words can make you seem overly confident or even arrogant.
Instead, try using other words and phrases that convey a sense of confidence without overdoing it. For example:
- Without a doubt
- Certainly
- For sure
By avoiding these common mistakes and using these words appropriately, you can communicate with clarity and confidence.
Context Matters
When it comes to choosing between “absolutely” and “definitely,” context is key. The appropriate word choice can depend on the situation, tone, and level of certainty required. Here are some examples of how the choice between these two words might change depending on the context:
Formal Vs. Informal Settings
In more formal settings, such as business meetings or academic presentations, “definitely” may be the more appropriate choice. This is because it is a more concise and direct word that conveys a strong sense of certainty. On the other hand, in more casual or informal settings, such as conversations with friends or social media posts, “absolutely” may be a better fit. It has a more relaxed and emphatic tone that can convey enthusiasm or agreement.
Positive Vs. Negative Statements
The choice between “absolutely” and “definitely” can also depend on whether the statement being made is positive or negative. For example, if someone says “I absolutely love this restaurant,” it conveys a strong sense of positivity and enthusiasm. However, if someone says “I definitely don’t like this restaurant,” it conveys a strong sense of negativity and certainty. In this case, “definitely” is the more appropriate choice because it emphasizes the speaker’s conviction.
Level Of Certainty
The choice between “absolutely” and “definitely” can also depend on the level of certainty required in the statement. “Definitely” is a stronger word that implies a high level of certainty, while “absolutely” can be used to convey a more general sense of agreement or affirmation. For example, if someone says “I definitely know the answer to that question,” it implies a high level of confidence and certainty. However, if someone says “I absolutely agree with you,” it conveys a sense of agreement without necessarily implying a high level of certainty.
Exceptions To The Rules
While the rules for using “absolutely” and “definitely” are generally straightforward, there are some exceptions to be aware of. Here are a few cases where the standard rules might not apply:
1. Sarcasm Or Irony
In some cases, using “absolutely” or “definitely” in a sarcastic or ironic way can completely change the meaning of the sentence. For example:
- Person A: Do you want to go to the dentist today?
- Person B: Absolutely!
In this case, Person B is using “absolutely” to convey the opposite of what they actually mean – they don’t want to go to the dentist at all. The same could be done with “definitely” in a similar context.
2. Regional Differences
While the rules for using “absolutely” and “definitely” are generally the same across English-speaking regions, there may be some regional differences to be aware of. For example, in some parts of the United States, “absolutely” is used more frequently than “definitely” in everyday conversation.
3. Contextual Differences
There may be some cases where the context of the sentence changes the meaning of “absolutely” or “definitely”. For example:
- Person A: Do you think she’ll say yes?
- Person B: Definitely not.
In this case, “definitely” is used to convey certainty that the person will not say yes. However, if the context were different – say, if Person B were talking about something else entirely – “definitely” might not carry the same level of certainty.
It’s important to consider the context of the sentence when deciding whether to use “absolutely” or “definitely”.
Practice Exercises
Now that we have discussed the differences between absolutely and definitely, it’s time to put your knowledge into practice. Here are some exercises that will help you improve your understanding and use of these two words in sentences:
Exercise 1: Fill In The Blank
Fill in the blank with either absolutely or definitely:
- The food at that restaurant is ________ delicious.
- I will ________ be there on time.
- She is ________ right about that.
- He is ________ sure he wants to quit his job.
- The movie was ________ terrible.
Answer Key:
| Number | Answer |
|---|---|
| 1 | absolutely |
| 2 | definitely |
| 3 | absolutely |
| 4 | definitely |
| 5 | absolutely |
Exercise 2: Identify The Correct Word
Choose the correct word to complete each sentence:
- He ________ wants to go to the party.
- She is ________ right about the answer.
- The weather is ________ perfect for a picnic.
- That is ________ not what I meant.
- I ________ need to finish this project by tomorrow.
Answer Key:
| Number | Answer |
|---|---|
| 1 | definitely |
| 2 | absolutely |
| 3 | absolutely |
| 4 | definitely |
| 5 | definitely |
These exercises should help you feel more confident in your use of absolutely and definitely. Keep practicing and soon you’ll be using these words like a pro!
Conclusion
In conclusion, the use of “absolutely” and “definitely” can often be interchangeable, but there are subtle differences in their meanings that can impact the clarity and precision of your communication.
Key Takeaways
- “Absolutely” implies a stronger sense of certainty or agreement than “definitely.”
- “Definitely” can be used to express agreement or confirmation, but can also indicate a sense of obligation or commitment.
- Consider the context and tone of your message when choosing between “absolutely” and “definitely.”
- Other words or phrases, such as “certainly” or “without a doubt,” may be more appropriate depending on the situation.
Remember that language use and grammar are important tools for effective communication. Continually learning and improving your skills in these areas can help you convey your ideas more clearly and confidently.
Shawn Manaher is the founder and CEO of The Content Authority. He’s one part content manager, one part writing ninja organizer, and two parts leader of top content creators. You don’t even want to know what he calls pancakes.