DictionaryAI

certainly

adverb
SaySUR-tuhn-lee/ˈsɝtn̩li/UK/ˈsɜːtn̩li/

2 meanings of certainly

Practice

  1. 1
    no doubtadverb
    Without doubt; used to show that something is true or is said with certainty.

    Their decision to leave early certainly saved them from the worst of the traffic.

    He is certainly the most experienced candidate the committee has interviewed.

    UsagePlaced before a main verb (certainly saved) or after be or an auxiliary (is certainly true, will certainly come). Can also open a sentence.

    Similardefinitely, surely, undoubtedly, unquestionably, clearly

    Oppositepossibly, perhaps

    Note

    Here the adverb weighs in on the whole claim rather than on how an action is done. It can also open a sentence, as in W. B. M. Ferguson's Zollenstein (1908): "Certainly it made a brave picture."

    Checked 1 Nov 2026 · 2 facts

  2. 2
    of courseadverb
    Used as an emphatic way of saying yes; of course.

    "Will you help us move the boxes on Saturday?" "Certainly, just tell me the time."

    "Would you mind explaining that again?" "Certainly, let me walk you through it."

    Similarsure, absolutely, definitely, gladly

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Origin

From Middle English certeynly, formed from "certain" combined with the suffix "-ly".

Checked 30 Oct 2026 · 1 fact

  • Certainly derives from Middle English certeynly and is formed from certain plus -ly. en.wiktionary.org