Here's why it's hard to spell:
* Silent letters: The "e" at the end is silent. This can be confusing because we often pronounce the "e" in similar words like "definite".
* Double consonants: It has a double "f" and a double "n". This is not a common combination in English, making it prone to errors.
* "I before E" rule: The word breaks the "i before e" rule, which is already a tricky guideline.
Overall, the combination of silent letters, double consonants, and a tricky vowel combination makes "definitely" a word that many people struggle with.
Tip: If you're ever unsure, try breaking the word down into smaller parts: "defi" + "nite" + "ly". This can help you remember the correct spelling.