Definitely not

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Definitely not" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express strong disagreement or to emphasize that something is not the case. Example: "Do you think we should cancel the event? Definitely not, we have too many people counting on it."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

"Definitely not the government.

The New York Times

"Definitely not," he insists.

Independent

Definitely not corn, Governor.

The New York Times

"Definitely not," Wolfowitz said.

The New Yorker

Definitely not the Hamptons!

The New York Times

Definitely not cilantro.

The New York Times

Definitely not the star.

The New Yorker

Definitely not worth it.

The New York Times

(Definitely not our choice).

The New York Times

Definitely not progress.

The New York Times

Definitely not those socks".

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In written communication, use "definitely not" to avoid ambiguity and express the negative form clearly in various contexts.

Common error

While "Definitely not" is widely accepted, avoid overusing it in highly formal or academic writing. Consider using more nuanced or sophisticated language to convey disagreement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "Definitely not" functions as an emphatic negative response. It serves to strongly deny or disagree with a previous statement or suggestion. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage and widespread acceptance.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Formal & Business

8%

Science

7%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

"Definitely not" is a phrase used for expressing strong disagreement or denial. Ludwig AI analysis confirms that this phrase is grammatically correct and common, especially in news and media. While appropriate for various contexts, be mindful of overuse in highly formal settings. Alternatives like "absolutely not" or "by no means" can offer similar emphasis with slight variations in tone. Use "Definitely not" to ensure your strong negative stance is clearly communicated.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Absolutely not

Emphasizes a firm and unequivocal refusal or disagreement.

Certainly not

Indicates a strong negation with a sense of conviction.

By no means

Highlights that something is impossible or completely out of the question.

Not at all

A polite but firm way of expressing disagreement or negation.

Of course not

Implies that something is obviously not the case.

No way

An informal and emphatic way of saying no.

Not in the slightest

Emphasizes that something is not the case to any degree.

Under no circumstances

Indicates a strict prohibition or impossibility.

Never

Expresses that something will not happen at any time.

Not a chance

An informal way of saying that something is very unlikely or impossible.

FAQs

How can I use "Definitely not" in a sentence?

"Definitely not" is used to express strong disagreement or denial. For example, "Do you think this plan will work? "Definitely not", it's flawed from the start."

What are some alternatives to "Definitely not"?

Alternatives include "absolutely not", "certainly not", or "by no means". The choice depends on the context and desired level of formality.

Is "definitely not" grammatically correct?

Yes, "definitely not" is grammatically correct and commonly used in spoken and written English to express a strong negative.

What's the difference between "definitely not" and "probably not"?

"Definitely not" indicates certainty and strong disagreement, while "probably not" implies uncertainty and a lower likelihood of something being the case.