Are you one of those people who always second-guesses whether to use “definately” or “definitely”? Don’t worry, you’re not alone! Many people struggle with this common spelling mistake. In this article, we’ll explore the difference between the two words and provide you with some tips to help you remember the correct spelling.
We should clear up the confusion. “Definitely” is the proper spelling of the word. “Definately” is a common misspelling of the word, but it is not correct. The word “definitely” means without a doubt or certainly. It is an adverb that is used to emphasize the certainty of something. For example, “I will definitely be there on time.”
On the other hand, “definately” is not a word in the English language. It is a misspelling of “definitely” that has become popular due to its phonetic similarity to the correct spelling.
Now that we’ve established the difference between the two, let’s dive deeper into why people often get confused between the two. One reason is that the correct spelling of “definitely” can be tricky to remember due to its unusual combination of letters. Another reason is that the incorrect spelling of “definately” is so commonly used that people may assume it is correct.
In the following sections, we’ll provide some tips to help you remember the correct spelling of “definitely” and avoid the common mistake of using “definately”.
Define Definately
Definately is a misspelling of the word definitely. It is a common error made by individuals who may not have a strong grasp on the English language or who may not have paid close attention to their spelling and grammar. The word definately does not have any meaning or usage in the English language and is considered incorrect.
Define Definitely
Definitely is an adverb that is used to indicate certainty or a high degree of probability. It is often used to emphasize a statement or to express a strong conviction about something. The word definitely is derived from the Latin word definitus, which means “defined” or “limited.” In English, the word definitely is most commonly used in spoken and written communication to convey a sense of confidence and certainty.
How To Properly Use The Words In A Sentence
One of the most common mistakes in English language is the confusion between the words ‘definately’ and ‘definitely’. While they sound similar, they have different meanings and spellings. In this article, we will discuss how to properly use the words in a sentence.
How To Use ‘Definately’ In A Sentence
‘Definately’ is an incorrect spelling of the word ‘definitely’. It is important to note that the word ‘definately’ does not exist in the English language. Using this word in a sentence would be considered incorrect and unprofessional.
How To Use ‘Definitely’ In A Sentence
‘Definitely’ is an adverb that means without a doubt or certainly. It is used to emphasize the certainty of something. When using ‘definitely’ in a sentence, it is important to place it in the correct position to ensure clarity and accuracy.
Here are some examples of how to use ‘definitely’ in a sentence:
- I will definitely attend the meeting tomorrow.
- She is definitely the best candidate for the job.
- The concert was definitely worth the price of admission.
It is important to note that ‘definitely’ should not be confused with similar-sounding words such as ‘defiantly’ or ‘definitively’, which have different meanings.
Here are some examples of how to use ‘definitely’ correctly in a sentence:
| Correct Usage | Incorrect Usage |
|---|---|
| He definitely scored the winning goal. | He defiantly scored the winning goal. |
| She definitely knows how to sing. | She definitively knows how to sing. |
By understanding the correct usage of ‘definitely’, you can communicate more effectively and avoid common mistakes in your writing and speech.
More Examples Of Definately & Definitely Used In Sentences
In order to fully understand the difference between “definately” and “definitely,” it’s important to see them in action. Here are some examples of each word being used in a sentence:
Examples Of Using “Definately” In A Sentence:
- She definately wants to go to the concert.
- He definately needs to work on his communication skills.
- I definately saw a UFO last night.
- This is definately the best pizza I’ve ever had.
- She definately deserves a promotion for her hard work.
- He definately knows how to make a good first impression.
- I definately need a vacation after this stressful week.
- This is definately not the right way to solve this problem.
- She definately has a talent for singing.
- He definately has a lot of potential as a leader.
Examples Of Using “Definitely” In A Sentence:
- She definitely wants to go to the concert.
- He definitely needs to work on his communication skills.
- I definitely saw a UFO last night.
- This is definitely the best pizza I’ve ever had.
- She definitely deserves a promotion for her hard work.
- He definitely knows how to make a good first impression.
- I definitely need a vacation after this stressful week.
- This is definitely not the right way to solve this problem.
- She definitely has a talent for singing.
- He definitely has a lot of potential as a leader.
As you can see from these examples, “definately” is not a correct spelling of the word. It’s important to use “definitely” to avoid confusion and ensure clear communication.
Common Mistakes To Avoid
When it comes to using the words “definately” and “definitely,” many people tend to use them interchangeably without realizing that they have different meanings. Here are some common mistakes to avoid:
Using “Definately” Instead Of “Definitely”
One of the most common mistakes people make is using “definately” instead of “definitely.” “Definately” is not a word in the English language, and using it instead of “definitely” can make your writing look unprofessional.
Using “Definitely” In The Wrong Context
Another mistake people make is using “definitely” in the wrong context. For example, saying “I will definitely go to the beach if it’s raining” is incorrect because the word “definitely” implies certainty, but the statement includes a condition (“if it’s raining”) that could change the outcome. A better way to phrase it would be “I will go to the beach if it’s raining.”
Not Proofreading For Errors
Finally, one of the biggest mistakes people make is not proofreading their writing for errors. Even if you know the difference between “definately” and “definitely,” you could still accidentally use the wrong word if you’re not paying attention. Always take the time to proofread your writing carefully before submitting it.
Tips To Avoid Making These Mistakes
If you want to avoid making these mistakes in the future, here are some tips:
- Always double-check the spelling of “definitely” before using it in your writing.
- Think carefully about the context in which you’re using “definitely” to make sure it’s the right word for the situation.
- Proofread your writing carefully for errors, including incorrect use of “definitely.”
Context Matters
Choosing between the words “definately” and “definitely” can be a tricky task, as it largely depends on the context in which they are used. While both words have the same meaning, the spelling of “definately” is incorrect and should be avoided in formal writing.
Examples Of Different Contexts
Here are some examples of different contexts and how the choice between “definitely” and “definately” might change:
| Context | Correct Word Choice |
|---|---|
| Formal Writing | “Definitely” |
| Informal Writing | “Definitely” or “Definately” |
| Speech | “Definitely” or “Definately” |
| Slang | “Definitely” or “Definately” |
As seen in the table above, the choice between “definitely” and “definately” can vary depending on the context. In formal writing, it is important to use the correct spelling of “definitely” to maintain a professional tone. However, in informal writing, speech, and slang, the choice between the two words may not be as critical.
It is important to consider the context in which you are writing or speaking to ensure that you are using the appropriate word choice. By doing so, you can effectively communicate your message and avoid any confusion or misunderstandings.
Exceptions To The Rules
While the rules for using “definitely” and “definately” are generally straightforward, there are some exceptions where the rules may not apply.
Homophones And Typos
One common exception is when “definately” is used as a typo or misspelling of “definitely.” This is understandable, as the two words are homophones, meaning they sound the same but have different spellings and meanings. In this case, the correct spelling is “definitely,” and “definately” should be corrected.
Dialect And Colloquialism
In some dialects or informal settings, “definately” may be used as a colloquialism or slang term. This is not considered standard English and should be avoided in formal writing. However, it is important to note that language is constantly evolving and what may be considered incorrect today may become accepted in the future.
Intentional Misspelling
In some cases, “definately” may be used intentionally as a misspelling for humorous or stylistic effect. This is often seen in creative writing or social media posts. However, it should be used sparingly and only in appropriate contexts, as it may be seen as unprofessional or careless.
Other Similar Words
It is also important to note that there are other words that may be confused with “definitely,” such as “definite” and “defiantly.” While these words are spelled differently and have different meanings, they may be mistaken for “definitely” in certain contexts. It is important to double-check the spelling and meaning of these words to ensure clear and effective communication.
Practice Exercises
Improving your understanding and use of definately and definitely can take time and practice. Here are some exercises to help you hone your skills:
Exercise 1: Choose The Correct Spelling
| Sentence | Correct Spelling |
|---|---|
| I definately/definitely want to go to the concert. | definitely |
| She definately/definitely knows how to play the guitar. | definitely |
| He is definately/definitely the best candidate for the job. | definitely |
| We should definately/definitely go on vacation this year. | definitely |
| The weather is definately/definitely going to be nice tomorrow. | definitely |
Answer Key: definitely, definitely, definitely, definitely, definitely
Exercise 2: Fill In The Blank
Choose the correct spelling of definately or definitely to fill in the blank.
- She will __________ be at the party tonight.
- We should __________ take a break and go for a walk.
- He is __________ the best chef in town.
- I __________ need to buy some groceries.
- The movie was __________ worth watching.
Answer Key: definitely, definitely, definitely, definitely, definitely
Exercise 3: Rewrite The Sentence
Rewrite the sentence using the correct spelling of definately or definitely.
- He is definatly going to be late.
- The food was definately delicious.
- We should definatly go to the beach this weekend.
- She definatly knows how to dance.
- He is definatly the most talented musician I know.
Answer Key: definitely, definitely, definitely, definitely, definitely
By practicing these exercises, you can improve your understanding and use of definately and definitely in your writing and speaking.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the correct spelling of the word in question is definitely, not definately. This is a common mistake made by many people, but it is important to understand the correct spelling and usage of words in order to effectively communicate in writing.
It is important to remember that spelling and grammar are important components of effective communication. By taking the time to learn and understand the rules of grammar and language use, you can improve your writing and make a more positive impression on your readers.
Key Takeaways
- The word in question is definitely, not definately.
- Spelling and grammar are important components of effective communication.
- Learning and understanding the rules of grammar and language use can improve your writing.
By following these key takeaways, you can avoid common mistakes and improve your writing skills. Remember to always take the time to proofread your work and make sure that your writing is clear, concise, and easy to understand.
Thank you for taking the time to read this article, and we encourage you to continue learning about grammar and language use in order to become a more effective communicator.
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.