certainly

cer|tain|ly

W1S1 [ˈsə:tnli US ˈsə:r-] adv [sentence adverb]

1.) without any doubt

= ↑definitely

▪ I certainly never expected to become a writer.

▪ They're certainly not mine.

it is certainly true/possible etc

▪ It is certainly true that there are more courses on offer.

▪ The girl was almost certainly murdered.

▪ 'Not smoking has made a real difference.' 'It most certainly has.'

2.) spoken used to agree or give your permission

▪ 'I'd like a beer, please' 'Certainly, sir.'

▪ 'Can I come along?' 'Certainly.'

3.) certainly not

spoken used to disagree completely or to refuse to give permission

▪ 'May I go?' 'Certainly not!'