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

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

Every microsecond counts, and data needs to be trusted absolutely; win-or-lose decisions depend on it. —Hugo Feiler, Forbes, 22 Nov. 2024

But tunes like Bing Crosby and G-Man Hoover are absolutely timeless. —Liza Lentini, SPIN, 22 Nov. 2024

Advertisement Having worked with some of the biggest, brightest stars in the universe — Julia, Meryl and Nicole, to name three recognizable by their first names — Martindale has been adjacent to megawatt fame but harbors absolutely no envy. —Daniel Vaillancourt, Los Angeles Times, 22 Nov. 2024

Check the temperature: To be absolutely sure, use a food thermometer to check the temperature in the thickest part of the breast or thigh. —Katie Rosenhouse, Southern Living, 22 Nov. 2024

Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

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