définitionnellement

Définitionnellement is a neologism, a newly coined word, that has appeared in informal French online discourse. It is a portmanteau, blending the French word "définition" (definition) with the adverbial suffix "-ment" which is commonly used to form adverbs in French, similar to "-ly" in English. The word is used humorously to imply that something is so obviously true or self-evident that it needs no further definition or explanation.

The usage of définitionnellement is largely confined to social media platforms, forums, and other online communities. It is not a recognized word in standard French dictionaries and is considered colloquial and playful. Its purpose is to add a touch of wit and express a sense of shared understanding among users who recognize the obviousness of a statement or situation. For example, one might say something is "définitionnellement" a good idea when it is universally acknowledged as such, or that a certain action is "définitionnellement" foolish if it is clearly a bad choice.

The term's popularity is likely due to its catchy sound and its ability to concisely convey a specific nuance of obviousness. While it may not enter formal French vocabulary, its presence highlights the creative and evolving nature of language, particularly in digital communication. The word essentially acts as a humorous intensifier, emphasizing that a matter is so clear it defines itself.