different between definitely vs carefully

English

Etymology

definite +? -ly

Pronunciation

• (UK, US) IPA^(key): /?d?f.?n?t.li/, /?d?f.?n?t.li/, /?d?f.n?t.li/

Adverb

definitely (comparative more definitely, superlative most definitely)

1. Without question and beyond doubt.

   She said she wasn't coming, definitely.

2. In a definite manner; decisively.
   • 1912, Joseph Conrad, A Personal Record Chapter IV

     It was really impossible on board that ship to get away definitely from Almayer

   • 1916, Claud Field (translator), Nikolai Gogol, The Nose, (1836)

     And the Nose definitely turned away.

   • 2003, Herbert Mitgang, Once Upon a Time in New York (page 187)

     And these Elders were men of good standing in that community, and they swore definitely before the counsel that this lady committed this impropriety, and there was nobody to gainsay that, except the lady herself, […]

Translations

See also

• definitively
• absolutely

English

Etymology

From Middle English carfulli, carefulliche, from Old English carfull??e, ?earfull??e (“carefully, diligently”), equivalent to careful +? -ly.

Pronunciation

• (Received Pronunciation) IPA^(key): /?k??f?li/, /?k??fli/
• (General American) IPA^(key): /?k??f?li/, /?k??fli/
• Hyphenation: care?ful?ly, caref?ully

Adverb

carefully (comparative more carefully, superlative most carefully)

1. (obsolete) Sorrowfully.
2. With care; attentively, circumspectly.

   • Then his sallow face brightened, for the hall had been carefully furnished, and was very clean. ¶ There was a neat hat-and-umbrella stand, and the stranger's weary feet fell soft on a good, serviceable dark-red drugget, which matched in colour the flock-paper on the walls.

Translations