Cool MateDefinitely vs Strictly
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Definitely
Top 1,000 (very common)A2adverb
Strictly
Top 2,000 (common)B2adverb
Most common: Definitely
| Definitely | Strictly | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 /["/ˈdefɪnətli/"]/🇺🇸 /["/ˈdefɪnətli/"]/ | 🇬🇧 /["/ˈstrɪktli/"]/🇺🇸 /["/ˈstrɪktli/"]/ |
| Meaning | For sure, without a doubt | only, definitely |
| Example | I definitely remember sending the letter. | She was brought up very strictly. |
| Register | Neutral | Neutral |
| How common | Top 1,000 (very common) | Top 2,000 (common) |
| CEFR level | A2 | B2 |
| Part of speech | adverb | adverb |
| Collocations | definitely agree, definitely believe, definitely know | strictly speaking, strictly adhere, strictly prohibited, strictly necessary, strictly enforced |
| Antonyms | doubtfully, uncertainly | loosely, leniently, flexibly, laxly |
| Common mistakes | Often confused with 'defiantly' which means resisting authority., Sometimes spelled incorrectly as 'definately'. | Using it in a casual context where 'just' would be more appropriate., Confusing with 'strict', which refers to being demanding or inflexible., Saying 'strictly for' instead of just using 'strictly'. |
| 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 'strictly' when you want to emphasize that something must be done exactly as stated. It's generally used in serious or formal contexts, and less so in casual conversations. |
Frequently asked questions: Definitely vs Strictly
What's the difference between Definitely and Strictly?
Definitely: For sure, without a doubt Strictly: only, definitely
Which is more common: Definitely and Strictly?
Definitely is the most common in everyday English.
Are Definitely and Strictly the same CEFR level?
Definitely: A2, Strictly: B2 on the CEFR scale.
Can I use Definitely and Strictly interchangeably?
Not always. Definitely and Strictly 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.