Cool MateDefinitely vs Of course I read it
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Definitely
Top 1,000 (very common)A2adverb
Of course I read it
Top 5,000 (fairly common)
Most common: Definitely
| Definitely | Of course I read it | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 /["/ˈdefɪnətli/"]/🇺🇸 /["/ˈdefɪnətli/"]/ | 🇬🇧 //əv kɔːs aɪ rɛd ɪt//🇺🇸 //əv kɔrs aɪ rɛd ɪt// |
| Meaning | For sure, without a doubt | It's natural for me to have read it. |
| Example | I definitely remember sending the letter. | Of course I read it; it was really interesting! |
| Register | Neutral | Neutral |
| How common | Top 1,000 (very common) | Top 5,000 (fairly common) |
| CEFR level | A2 | - |
| Part of speech | adverb | |
| Collocations | definitely agree, definitely believe, definitely know | Of course I agree, Of course I know, Of course you can |
| Antonyms | doubtfully, uncertainly | - |
| Common mistakes | Often confused with 'defiantly' which means resisting authority., Sometimes spelled incorrectly as 'definately'. | Using 'of course' in contexts where it's not obvious, making it sound condescending., Misplacing the phrase in sentences, losing its intended emphasis., Translating directly from another language, which may sound awkward. |
| Usage notes | Use 'definitely' to emphasize certainty. It fits well in both spoken and written English. Avoid using it in overly formal contexts where alternatives like 'certainly' might be more suitable. | Use this phrase to express a natural understanding or expectation. It's typically informal but can be slightly formal in certain contexts. |
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Frequently asked questions: Definitely vs Of course I read it
What's the difference between Definitely and Of course I read it?
Definitely: For sure, without a doubt Of course I read it: It's natural for me to have read it.
Which is more common: Definitely and Of course I read it?
Definitely is the most common in everyday English.
Can you show an example of each?
Definitely: I definitely remember sending the letter. Of course I read it: Of course I read it; it was really interesting!
Can I use Definitely and Of course I read it interchangeably?
Not always. Definitely and Of course I read it are related and overlap in some contexts, but they differ in register, how common they are, and usage, so swapping one for another can change the meaning or tone. Check the differences above before substituting.