definitely

The word 'definitely' weakens prose by introducing uncertainty and diluting impact. It acts as a hedge, suggesting the narrator is unsure or lacks confidence in their statement. In most cases, removing 'definitely' strengthens the sentence, allowing the reader to engage more fully with the character's certainty or conviction. Before: She was definitely upset about the news. After: She was upset about the news. Before: He definitely wanted to win the race. After: He wanted to win the race. Before: The plan will definitely succeed. After: The plan will succeed. In dialogue, 'definitely' can serve a purpose, particularly when a character is affirming their intent or belief. For example, a character expressing enthusiasm might say, 'I definitely want to go to the concert,' which captures their excitement and certainty. In this context, the word adds authenticity to the character's voice. When revising, ask yourself, 'If I remove the word and the sentence still conveys the same meaning, was it necessary?' This self-check helps eliminate clutter and clarify your prose.