flatly

adverb

flat·​ly

1

obsolete : into a flat position : prostrate

2

a

: bluntly, categorically, plainly

he flatly denied the charges

sometimes : emphatically, peremptorily

presenting the case flatly and sternly

flatly challenged the truth of the statement

b

: absolutely, wholly

acting flatly against his convictions

3

: in a flat manner

sagging flatly in his arms

: such as

a

: without zest or spirit : in a dull and uninterested manner

droned on flatly about her troubles

b

: without indication or development of a third dimension

roses stenciled flatly on the chair backs

Word History

Etymology

Middle English (Scots), from Middle English flat entry 1 + -ly

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Rhymes for flatly

• atlee