What does definably mean?
Definably is a formal adverb meaning 'in a way that can be defined or clearly described'. It marks the difference between things whose nature or limits can be precisely stated and those that resist exact formulation: a property line is definably fixed by a survey, whereas charm or beauty typically is not. The word derives from 'define', ultimately from Latin 'definire', 'to set bounds to', combined with the suffix '-able' and the adverbial '-ly'. It appears almost exclusively in academic, legal, philosophical, and technical writing, where precision about what can and cannot be pinned down matters. Because it is rare in speech, many readers encounter it chiefly in print, and it is occasionally confused with 'defiantly' through typographical error — a mix-up made notorious when people misspell 'definitely' as 'definately'. Used sparingly, 'definably' lends prose an air of careful, analytical exactness.
adverbIn a way that can be defined or clearly described; in a manner capable of being precisely stated or delimited.
- In a way that can be defined, described, or delimited; in a definite or determinable manner.
"Unlike beauty, the boundary of the property is definably fixed by survey."
"What counts as harassment is definably set out in the employee handbook."
"Unlike taste, which shifts with fashion, the word's grammatical function remains definably constant."
The most famous victim of 'definably' is the word 'definitely' — misspell it as 'definately' and your spellchecker may quietly replace it with an entirely different word.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of definably
Definably is formed from the verb 'define' plus the suffixes '-able' and '-ly', so its origin tracks that of 'define' itself. 'Define' comes from Latin 'definire', meaning 'to mark out the limits of', from 'de-' ('completely') and 'finire' ('to bound or end'), which also gives English 'finish', 'final', and 'finite'. The adjective 'definable' was established in English by the early modern period, and 'definably' followed as its natural adverbial form. Its closest relatives are therefore the family of words built on Latin 'finis', meaning 'end' or 'boundary'.
Related word forms
How definably is actually used
Rare in everyday speech; belongs chiefly to formal, academic, legal, and philosophical prose, where writers need to mark that something has a precise, stateable character. It carries no strong connotation — positive or negative — but its very rarity can make writing feel stilted if overused. Most writers reach for 'clearly', 'precisely', or 'unambiguously' instead; 'definably' earns its place only when the emphasis falls specifically on whether something can be defined at all.
Easily confused with definably
'Definably' means 'in a way that can be defined,' while 'defiantly' means 'in a boldly resistant or rebellious manner' — a common typo-driven confusion because 'definately' (misspelling of 'definitely') autocorrects to it.