- with certainty; without doubt: he certainly rides very well
- by all means; definitely: used in answer to questions
WordReference Random House Learner's Dictionary of American English © 2026
cer•tain•ly /ˈsɜrtənli/USA pronunciation
adv. (used to show strong feeling or enthusiasm about something, to show agreement with what has been said, or to answer "yes'' to a question):This is certainly a fine party, isn't it? Can I have my pen back, please? —Certainly, sir. See -cert-.
WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2026- surely;
without doubt;
undoubtedly:You certainly have done a fine job.
cer•tain•ly
(sûr′tn lē),USA pronunciation adv.
- with certainty;
without doubt;
assuredly:I'll certainly be there. - yes, of course:Certainly, take the keys.
- surely;
to be sure:He certainly is successful.
- 1250–1300; Middle English; see certain, -ly
Collins Concise English Dictionary © HarperCollins Publishers::
certainly /ˈsɜːtənlɪ/ adv
'certainly not' also found in these entries (note: many are not synonyms or translations):