Definitely or Definately: Which Is Correct?
Updated · Which One Is Correct editorial team
Quick answer: The correct spelling is definitely. The version with an 'a' is a common misspelling that many writers make. This guide explains why the error happens, shows proper usage in context, and provides a simple trick to help you remember the right way to write this adverb forever.
The Short Answer
Definitely is the only correct spelling of this adverb; definately is a widespread misspelling that appears in many casual texts and drafts.
People often confuse the two because the middle section sounds like the word definite, leading writers to insert an extra letter that does not belong in the actual word.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Form | Status | Use it when |
|---|---|---|
| definitely | Correct | You need an adverb meaning without doubt or absolutely |
| definately | Misspelling | Never use this form in any written context |
| definitely | Adverb | Modifying verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs |
| definitely | Standard English | Writing for professional, academic, or casual audiences |
Correct Example Sentences
- I will definitely join you for the weekend trip to the coast.
- She is definitely the most talented musician in our entire school band.
- We definitely need to finish this project before the deadline arrives.
- The movie was definitely worth the long wait in the crowded theater.
- He definitely knows more about coding than anyone else in the office.
- You can definitely trust her advice on gardening and plant care.
- The team definitely improved their strategy after the first quarter.
- It is definitely getting colder outside than it was yesterday morning.
- We definitely enjoyed the tour of the historic museum downtown.
- This recipe definitely calls for fresh herbs instead of dried spices.
Common Mistakes and Fixes
- I definately want to come to the party tonight.
- I definitely want to come to the party tonight.
- She definately passed the exam with a high score.
- She definitely passed the exam with a high score.
- We definately need to book the tickets early.
- We definitely need to book the tickets early.
- It is definately going to rain this afternoon.
- It is definitely going to rain this afternoon.
- He definately forgot to bring his laptop to work.
- He definitely forgot to bring his laptop to work.
- You definately should try the new restaurant downtown.
- You definitely should try the new restaurant downtown.
A Quick Test You Can Use
Think of the word as meaning without doubt. If you can replace the word with absolutely in your sentence and it still makes sense, you are using the adverb correctly. Just remember that the correct form does not contain the letter that appears in the middle of the word definite.
Related Word Pairs
- accept vs except
- Use accept for receiving and except for excluding something from a group.
- affect vs effect
- Affect is usually a verb meaning to influence; effect is usually a noun meaning the result.
- loose vs lose
- Loose means not tight; lose means to be deprived of something or to fail to win.
- your vs you're
- Your shows possession; you're is a contraction for you are.
- their vs there
- Their shows possession; there refers to a place or is used to introduce a sentence.
More Example Sentences
- The chef definitely added too much salt to the soup.
- I am definitely going to finish this book before bed.
- Her voice is definitely recognizable from across the room.
- We definitely need more chairs for the upcoming meeting.
- It is definitely not a good idea to skip breakfast.
- The artist definitely captured the mood of the sunset.
- I definitely prefer coffee over tea in the morning.
- The path definitely leads to the old stone bridge.
- They definitely worked hard to meet the client's expectations.
- This puzzle is definitely more difficult than it appears.
Quick Practice
I agree with your assessment of the situation.
definitely
Please check the locks before we leave.
definitely
She deserves a promotion for her hard work.
definitely
We should visit the museum on our next trip.
definitely
The results were better than we anticipated.
definitely
I will not forget this important lesson.
definitely
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is definately considered wrong?
It is wrong because it adds an extra letter that changes the standard spelling. The correct form follows the root word but drops the middle letter to form the adverb.
Is there any context where definately is okay?
No, it is never correct in formal or informal writing. Always use the spelling with an 'i' to avoid looking careless or uneducated to your readers.
How do I remember the correct spelling easily?
Think of the phrase definite intent. The extra 'i' in the word helps you recall that you need that letter in the middle of the adverb form.
Can spellcheckers always catch this mistake?
Most modern spellcheckers will flag definately as an error because it is a common typo. However, you should still proofread your own work carefully to ensure accuracy.
