English Online Dictionary. What means absolutely? What does absolutely mean?
English
Etymology
From absolute + -ly, from Middle English.
Pronunciation
- (UK) IPA(key): /ˈæb.sə.ˌl(j)uːt.lɪ/, /ˌæb.sə.ˈl(j)uːt.lɪ/
- (US) IPA(key): /ˌæb.sə.ˈlut.li/, /ˈæb.sə.ˌlut.li/
Adverb
absolutely (not comparable)
- In an absolute or unconditional manner; utterly, positively, wholly. [First attested around 1350 to 1470.]
- Independently; viewed without relation to other things or factors. [First attested around 1350 to 1470.]
- (grammar) In a manner that does not take an object.
Usage notes
- Absolutely is not to be confused with intensives such as very or indeed, as it is an unconditional term, absolutely/*very essential, vital or crucial.
Synonyms
- (in an absolute or unconditional manner): See also Thesaurus:completely
- (viewed without relation to other things): See also Thesaurus:individually
Derived terms
Translations
Interjection
absolutely
- Yes; certainly; expression indicating strong agreement. [First attested around 1350 to 1470.]
Usage notes
- Some commentators, especially in England, criticise the interjectional use as having no useful meaning beyond that of yes; however, this assumes that emphasis is useless, which, pragmatically speaking, it isn’t. On the other hand, emphasis can also be expressed in other ways: for instance, Yes, of course, Yes, indeed, Yes, certainly.
Derived terms
Translations
See also
- absitively posolutely