vs.

Completely vs. Definitely

What's the Difference?

Completely and definitely are both adverbs that emphasize the certainty or extent of something. However, completely suggests that something is done to the fullest extent possible, leaving no room for doubt or ambiguity. On the other hand, definitely implies a strong sense of certainty or assurance, without necessarily implying that something is done to its fullest extent. In essence, completely emphasizes the thoroughness of an action or state, while definitely emphasizes the certainty of it.

Comparison

AttributeCompletelyDefinitely
MeaningWholly, entirely, fullyWithout doubt, certainly
UsageCan be used to emphasize the extent or degree of somethingUsed to express certainty or sureness
IntensityEmphasizes the thoroughness or completeness of an action or stateEmphasizes the certainty or definiteness of a statement
ExamplesI completely forgot about the meeting.I definitely saw him at the party.

Further Detail

Definition

Completely and definitely are two adverbs that are often used interchangeably in everyday language. However, they have distinct meanings that set them apart. Completely means to the fullest extent or degree, leaving no part untouched. On the other hand, definitely means without a doubt or certainly, indicating a high level of certainty or assurance.

Usage

Completely is often used to emphasize the thoroughness or extent of something. For example, "I completely finished my homework" implies that every task was completed without any omissions. On the other hand, definitely is used to express a strong conviction or assurance about a statement. For instance, "I will definitely be there on time" indicates a high level of certainty about the speaker's punctuality.

Intensity

Completely tends to convey a sense of totality or entirety. It suggests that something has been done to the fullest extent possible. For example, "I completely understand the instructions" implies that the speaker has grasped every detail without any confusion. Definitely, on the other hand, emphasizes certainty or assurance. It indicates a strong belief or conviction in the truth of a statement. For instance, "I definitely saw him at the party" leaves no room for doubt about the speaker's observation.

Flexibility

Completely is a more flexible term that can be used in a variety of contexts to emphasize thoroughness or completeness. It can be applied to tasks, actions, or states of being. For example, "She completely transformed her appearance with a new hairstyle" highlights the extent of the change. Definitely, on the other hand, is more limited in its usage. It is primarily used to express certainty or assurance about a statement or belief. For instance, "I definitely believe in the power of positive thinking" conveys the speaker's strong conviction.

Emphasis

Completely is often used to place emphasis on the thoroughness or extent of an action or state. It can be used to highlight the completeness of a task or the intensity of a feeling. For example, "I completely adore that painting" emphasizes the speaker's strong affection for the artwork. Definitely, on the other hand, is used to emphasize the certainty or assurance of a statement. It can be employed to underscore the speaker's confidence in a belief or observation. For instance, "I definitely remember meeting her before" emphasizes the speaker's strong recollection.

Conclusion

In conclusion, completely and definitely are two adverbs that have distinct meanings and usage. Completely emphasizes thoroughness or totality, while definitely conveys certainty or assurance. While both terms can be used to emphasize a statement, they serve different purposes in communication. Understanding the nuances of these adverbs can help improve clarity and precision in language use.

Comparisons may contain inaccurate information about people, places, or facts. Please report any issues.