Used to emphasize that something is certain to happen or is unquestionably true; in a definite manner.
Formed from 'definite' plus the adverbial suffix '-ly', first appearing in English around 1574. The root comes from Latin 'definitus', past participle of 'definire' meaning 'to limit, determine, explain', which itself derives from 'de-' (completely) and 'finire' (to bound, limit).
Despite being one of the most commonly misspelled words in English (often written as 'definately'), 'definitely' has become the go-to intensifier for younger generations. It's fascinating how this word has evolved from meaning 'in a precise, clearly defined way' to simply meaning 'absolutely yes' in casual conversation.
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