absolutely

adverb

ab·​so·​lute·​ly ˈab-sə-ˌlüt-lē 

ˌab-sə-ˈlüt-

1

: in an absolute manner: such as

a

: completely or totally

absolutely certain

an absolutely clear explanation

—often used as an intensive

an absolutely brilliant performance

an absolutely awful experience

You're absolutely right.

b

: with unlimited power

ruling absolutely

2

a

—used in speech as a forceful way of saying "yes" or of expressing agreement

"Would you like to see a movie tonight?" "Absolutely!"

"We all need to work harder." "Absolutely!"

b

—used in speech in the phrase absolutely not as a forceful way of saying "no" or of expressing disagreement

"Do you think he's right?" "Absolutely not!"

3

mathematics : with respect to absolute values

an absolutely convergent series

Examples of absolutely in a Sentence

He is absolutely certain who will win.

Let me make one thing absolutely clear.

Keep absolutely quiet during the movie.

Recent Examples on the Web

Instead, Marsh’s bomb opened the flood gates for the Phillies to score eight runs in the top of the ninth inning to absolutely stun the Nationals and its home crowd in a miraculous 14-9 victory on Tuesday night. — Scott Thompson, FOXNews.com, 24 June 2026

This laptop can absolutely handle a ridiculous number of tabs! — K. Thor Jensen, PC Magazine, 24 June 2026

For golf cart operators, that evolution absolutely begins by ditching archaic lead-acid relics engineered for a bygone era. — Malana Vantyler, USA Today, 24 June 2026

Eklund is a likeable top-six winger, and the move could absolutely end up being worth it for the Senators, but the Sharks were already stacked up front with Macklin Celebrini, Will Smith, Michael Misa, Igor Chernyshov, the extremely underrated Collin Graf, Kiefer Sherwood, and Tyler Toffoli. — Harman Dayal, New York Times, 24 June 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from absolut absolute + -ly -ly entry 2

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for absolutely

• acutely
• astutely
• mutely
• resolutely

Kids Definition

absolutely

adverb

ab·​so·​lute·​ly ˈab-sə-ˌlüt-lē 

ˌab-sə-ˈlüt-

: in an absolute way : completely or definitely

you are absolutely right