certainly

Everyday

1. Certainly means without any doubt; surely. tree →
2. Certainly is a polite way of saying «yes» or «of course» when someone asks for something. tree →
3. Certainly can mean «it is true that…», before a «but». tree →

In the lessons

In everyday talk «certainly» is a polite «yes»: «Can I borrow a pencil?» — «Certainly.» In stories and writing it shows the speaker is sure. In school reasoning it marks something that must be true, unlike «probably» or «maybe». Phrases: «certainly not» (a firm no), «almost certainly», «most certainly».

Examples

• «May I open the window?» «Certainly.» tree →
• It will certainly rain later — look at those clouds. tree →
• You certainly worked hard on this project. tree →
• «Can I stay up all night?» «Certainly not!» tree →
• She is almost certainly at the library. tree →
• It was certainly a long walk, but it was fun. tree →
• The team will most certainly win if they play like that. tree →
• A triangle certainly has three sides. tree →
• "Certainly; and I can do it." tree →

Note

Spelling: certain + ly. «Certainly not» is a strong refusal. In probability, «certain» means it will definitely happen (probability 1); «almost certainly» is very likely but not sure. Do not confuse with «certainty» (a noun: the feeling of being sure).

In Jewish tradition

Used in older English for emphasis, as in "surely" or "for sure". In the primary lessons: In everyday talk «certainly» is a polite «yes»: «Can I borrow a pencil?» — «Certainly.» In stories and writing it shows the speaker is sure. In school reasoning it marks something that must be true, unlike «probably» or «maybe». Phrases: «certainly not» (a firm no), «almost certainly», «most certainly».

Examples

• It is a guilt-offering — he is certainly guilty before the LORD. (Torah LEV.5.19, JPS 1917) tree →
• Behold, the blood of it was not brought into the sanctuary within; ye should certainly have eaten it in the sanctuary, as I commanded.' (Torah LEV.10.18, JPS 1917) tree →
• And He said: 'I will certainly return unto thee when the season cometh round; and, lo, Sarah thy wife shall have a son.' And Sarah heard in the tent door, which was behind him. — (Torah GEN.18.10, JPS 1917) tree →
• Lo, certainly in vain hath wrought the vain pen of the scribes. (Prophets JER.8.8, JPS 1917) tree →
• Wilt thou set thine eyes upon it? it is gone; for riches certainly make themselves wings, like an eagle that flieth toward heaven. (Writings PRO.23.5, JPS 1917) tree →
• The LORD hath spoken concerning you, O remnant of Judah: Go ye not into Egypt; know certainly that I have forewarned you this day. (Prophets JER.42.19, JPS 1917) tree →

Note

Spelling: certain + ly. «Certainly not» is a strong refusal. In probability, «certain» means it will definitely happen (probability 1); «almost certainly» is very likely but not sure. Do not confuse with «certainty» (a noun: the feeling of being sure).