German word

gewiss

Pronunciation

IPA/gəˈvɪs/

Meaning

  • adverbdefinitely

Example

Du wirst gewiss Erfolg haben.

You will definitely be successful.

Illustration for gewiss (definitely)

More examples

Sie wird gewiss nicht teilnehmen.

She will definitely not participate.

Core concept

A settled conclusion with no room left for doubt.

Common phrases

  • gewiss nicht

    definitely not

Similar words

sicher: A neutral way to express that something is certainly true.
bestimmt: An emphatic way to state something with firm certainty.
definitiv: A way to mark a final and unchangeable conclusion.
auf jeden Fall: A forceful way to say something applies in every case.

Definition in German

Drückt aus, dass etwas sicher oder ohne Zweifel der Fall ist.

Word origin

Gewiss comes through Middle High German gewis from Old High German giwis, a Germanic formation related to the root behind wissen.

Usage tips

  • Gewiss often sounds formal or emphatic in modern conversation, where sicher is usually more neutral.

Other meanings

  • certainlyadverb
  • surelyadverb

Opposites

Word lists with this word