certainly
/ˈsɜː.tn̩.li/
Proposed by a contributor, not yet supported by evidence.
Also seen as: certainlier · certainliest
Sense 1
Meaning · English
In a way which is certain; with certainty.
Adverb
Examples
he verily thought he had young live frogs in his belly, qui vivebant ex alimento suo, that lived by his nourishment, and was so certainly persuaded of it, that for many years following he could not be rectified in his conceit.
Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)
Sources & notes
Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).
Sense 2
Meaning · English
Without doubt, surely.
Adverb
Examples
The accident was certainly caused by human error.
Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)
Sources & notes
Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).
Common questions
What does “certainly” mean?
In a way which is certain; with certainty.
Is “certainly” formal or informal?
No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.