absolutely

adverb

ab·​so·​lute·​ly ˈab-sə-ˌlüt-lē How to pronounce absolutely (audio)
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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
On the other end, Ja’Marr Chase is coming off an absolutely filthy touchdown grab last Sunday. Steven Louis Goldstein, New York Times, 16 Oct. 2025 Created an absolutely transcendent listening experience. Gil Kaufman, Billboard, 15 Oct. 2025 And so to me, that flexibility, that cognitive flexibility, is absolutely key. Christopher McFadden, Interesting Engineering, 14 Oct. 2025 Although there are many pop culture elements of this movie that may feel universal—the teens going absolutely bananas for their favorite pop stars, for instance—the clothing and some elements of the plot, including those which reference mythology, are respectful nods to Korean culture. Miranda Rake, Parents, 14 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for absolutely

Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of absolutely was in the 14th century

Cite this Entry

“Absolutely.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/absolutely. Accessed 22 Oct. 2025.

Kids Definition

absolutely

adverb
ab·​so·​lute·​ly ˈab-sə-ˌlüt-lē How to pronounce absolutely (audio)
ˌab-sə-ˈlüt-
: in an absolute way : completely or definitely
you are absolutely right

More from Merriam-Webster on absolutely

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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