Definitely — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

Related Entry: Definite (adjective)

Definite is a different word from Definitely. The synonyms below are for definite, not for definitely.

1. having distinct or certain limits

   "there should be a definite scope to your paper on the campaign for women's rights because you obviously cannot cover the whole history in five pages"

   similar: bounded, circumscribed, defined, determinate, finite, limited, measured, narrow, restricted
   related: modified, qualified, detailed, exact, precise, specific, confined, constricted, moderate, modest, minute, puny, small, tiny, determined, fixed, settled
   opposite: boundless, dimensionless, endless, illimitable, immeasurable, indefinite, infinite, limitless, measureless, unbounded, undefined, unlimited, unmeasured
   near: bottomless, countless, incalculable, inestimable, inexhaustible, innumerable, unfathomable, unqualified, unreserved, general, indeterminate, nebulous, vague, enlarged, escalated, expanded, copious, plenitudinous, plentiful, big, bulky, bumper, considerable, extensive, goodly, great, handsome, hefty, hulking, jumbo, king-size, large, largish, overscale, oversize, respectable, sizable, substantial, super, vast, voluminous, whacking, epic, grandiose, major, ample, broad, comprehensive, cosmopolitan, expansive, global, inclusive, sweeping, universal, whole

2. so clearly expressed as to leave no doubt about the meaning

   "a definite instruction not to let anyone in the house while the parents were out for the evening"

   similar: clear-cut, definitive, explicit, express, specific, unambiguous, unequivocal, univocal
   related: avowed, declared, specified, stated, categorical, complete, comprehensive, exhaustive, full, certain, sure, unmistakable, clear, distinct, lucid, well-defined, exact, precise, direct, literal, plain, simple, straightforward, comprehensible, intelligible, understandable
   opposite: implicit, implied, inferred, ambiguous, circuitous, equivocal, indefinite, inexplicit, unspecific, vague
   near: cryptic, dark, enigmatic, obscure, unclear, imprecise, inaccurate, incorrect, inexact, incomprehensible, unintelligible

3. having no exceptions or restrictions

   "the house is a definite bargain by today's standards"

   similar: absolute, all-out, arrant, blank, blooming (chiefly British), bodacious (Southern & Midland), categorical, clean, complete, consummate, crashing, damn, damned, dead, deadly, downright, dreadful, fair, flat, flat-out, out-and-out, outright, perfect, plumb, profound, pure, rank, regular, sheer, simple, stark, stone, straight-out, thorough, thoroughgoing, total, unadulterated, unalloyed, unconditional, unmitigated, unqualified, utter, very
   related: authentic, classic, genuine, real, veritable, constant, endless, eternal, perpetual, undying, unremitting, extreme, unrestricted, confirmed, habitual, hopeless, inveterate, extraordinary, frightful, horrible, huge, main, superlative, supreme, surpassing, terrible, terrific
   near: doubtful, dubious, equivocal, qualified, questionable, restricted, uncertain