absolutely
//ˈæb.səˌl(j)uːt.li//
informalForms
- Comparative
- more absolutely
- Superlative
- most absolutely
Definitions
1.In an absolute or unconditional manner; utterly, positively, wholly.
- You're making absolutely no sense.
2.Independently; viewed without relation to other things or factors.
- Another characteristic of numbers, which does not concern their mutual relations so much as themselves absolutely, is their ability, according to the ideas of Nicomachus, to conform to geometrical arrangements.
3.As an intensive: extremely, very, indeed.
- The most absolutely terrifying creature lifted her head.
- But when it came to posing for publicity pictures they proved absolutely brilliant doing just what came naturally.
- The people of the Song dynasty, when they weren’t busy singing, were absolutely obsessed with feet. No one knows why. Perhaps the constant singing drove everyone crazy.
1.Yes, certainly; expression indicating strong agreement.
Frequency
Overall
Common· #980
By learning goal
- Everyday conversation
- Common
- General reading & writing
- Common
- Academic
- Rare
- Literature
- Rare
Related words
Etymology
From late Middle English absolutly, equivalent to absolute + -ly.
First attested in 1425.