certainly not

phrase

Pronunciation: /ˈsɜːrtənli nɒt/

Definition

A firm and emphatic way of saying no.

Examples

• She asked if I had taken her keys, and I replied, 'Certainly not.'

• The manager told the staff that certainly not everyone would be receiving a bonus this year.

• He was offended by the suggestion and declared, 'Certainly not!'

Synonyms of certainly not

Words with a similar meaning to certainly not:

• no
• absolutely not
• by no means
• under no circumstances

Antonyms of certainly not

Words with the opposite meaning to certainly not:

• certainly
• absolutely

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