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

Example Sentences

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

In other words, there's absolutely no excuse not to get onboard with the trend. —Fiona Embleton, Glamour, 26 Jan. 2023

It is absolutely been essential in counterterrorism. —CBS News, 25 Jan. 2023

Phone Booth was going to either succeed or fail based on Farrell's performance, and fortunately for director Joel Schumacher, the young actor was absolutely pitch-perfect. —Chris Snellgrove, EW.com, 23 Jan. 2023

The sticks, which are available for $29.70 on Amazon will presumably put an end to frequent Joy-Con replacements and repair orders (that should absolutely not be the case). —Emma Roth, The Verge, 22 Jan. 2023

Season 2 of Raised By Wolves was absolutely bonkers—even crazier and weirder than the first season, if that’s even possible. —Erik Kain, Forbes, 11 Jan. 2023

There absolutely is because people in this country enjoy playoffs over exhibitions. —Joseph Goodman | [e-mail], al, 6 Jan. 2023

But Jonathan’s words are crazy complimentary and absolutely wonderful. —Brian Davids, The Hollywood Reporter, 21 Dec. 2022

With the reveal of PATTERN’s latest product, the PATTERN blow dryer, the Black-ish actress is hoping to show that heat can absolutely be part of our natural hair routines — with minimal damage, at that. —Ineye Komonibo, refinery29.com, 12 Jan. 2023

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Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing absolutely

• absolutely not

• absolutely not

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