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 intensivean 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
Tickets for the most promising San Diego jazz performances of the weekend are absolutely free.
—
George Varga, San Diego Union-Tribune, 18 Apr. 2024
But that’s absolutely fine when the story is so well-known and the numbers are so show-stopping.
—Lester Fabian Brathwaite, EW.com, 18 Apr. 2024
For example, hitting the nail on the head when the other person absolutely wasn’t ready to hear that.
—Haben Kelati, Washington Post, 17 Apr. 2024
And in a weird, twisted way, Klay Thompson’s absolutely brutal 0-for-10, getting-burned-on-the-perimeter-by-Trey-Lyles game could prove to benefit the Warriors.
—Dieter Kurtenbach, The Mercury News, 17 Apr. 2024
Insta360 App Experience An app is absolutely required to get the most out of the X4.
—Eric Zeman, PCMAG, 16 Apr. 2024
Seth MacFarlane: For somebody who hasn’t worked directly on the show in 15 years, absolutely.
—Dave Itzkoff, Los Angeles Times, 16 Apr. 2024
This is a threat to condition military assistance to Israel based on absolutely no evidence and grounded in a ridiculous and unachievable standard of conduct.
—Matthew Continetti, National Review, 6 Apr. 2024
Kurt was leaning on his arms against the roof ledge, absolutely still, staring out across Seattle.
—Bob Guccione Jr., SPIN, 5 Apr. 2024
George Varga, San Diego Union-Tribune, 18 Apr. 2024
But that’s absolutely fine when the story is so well-known and the numbers are so show-stopping.
—Lester Fabian Brathwaite, EW.com, 18 Apr. 2024
For example, hitting the nail on the head when the other person absolutely wasn’t ready to hear that.
—Haben Kelati, Washington Post, 17 Apr. 2024
And in a weird, twisted way, Klay Thompson’s absolutely brutal 0-for-10, getting-burned-on-the-perimeter-by-Trey-Lyles game could prove to benefit the Warriors.
—Dieter Kurtenbach, The Mercury News, 17 Apr. 2024
Insta360 App Experience An app is absolutely required to get the most out of the X4.
—Eric Zeman, PCMAG, 16 Apr. 2024
Seth MacFarlane: For somebody who hasn’t worked directly on the show in 15 years, absolutely.
—Dave Itzkoff, Los Angeles Times, 16 Apr. 2024
This is a threat to condition military assistance to Israel based on absolutely no evidence and grounded in a ridiculous and unachievable standard of conduct.
—Matthew Continetti, National Review, 6 Apr. 2024
Kurt was leaning on his arms against the roof ledge, absolutely still, staring out across Seattle.
—Bob Guccione Jr., SPIN, 5 Apr. 2024
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'absolutely.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near absolutely
Cite this Entry
“Absolutely.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/absolutely. Accessed 23 Apr. 2024.
Copy CitationKids 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
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