German word

freilich

Pronunciation

IPA/ˈfʁaɪ̯lɪç/

Meaning

  • adverbcertainly

Example

Das ist freilich wahr.

That is certainly true.

Illustration for freilich (certainly)

More examples

Na, freilich!

Well, of course!

Core concept

A firm nod that confirms a statement while leaving room for a qualification.

Common phrases

  • Na, freilich

    well, of course

Similar words

natürlich: Naturally, expressing confident agreement with something expected or accepted.
selbstverständlich: Naturally, stressing that something is self-evident and unquestionable.
wirklich: Really, emphasizing that something is true in fact.
allerdings: Indeed, acknowledging a point while implying a restriction or contrasting point.

Definition in German

Eine Aussage bekräftigt und dabei oft eine vorher genannte Einschränkung relativiert.

Word origin

Freilich derives from German frei 'free' plus -lich, originally meaning 'freely' before developing into an adverb of emphatic agreement.

Usage tips

  • Freilich often sounds more formal or written than natürlich, and it can introduce a contrast with 'but' left implicit.

Other meanings

  • of courseadverb
  • reallyadverb

Word lists with this word