absolutely

adverb

ab·​so·​lute·​ly ˈab-sə-ˌlüt-lē How to pronounce absolutely (audio)
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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Can skin cancer appear in areas not exposed to the sun? Skin cancer can absolutely appear in areas of the skin that tend to not get much sun exposure. Caroline C. Boyle, USA TODAY, 22 Feb. 2025 While this situation will likely end with a clean resolution, there's a world where Devers absolutely refuses to DH and ends up demanding a trade out of Boston. Tom Rogers, Newsweek, 22 Feb. 2025 That’s not an element of this story at all, which would absolutely be an element of this story now. Max Gao, Variety, 22 Feb. 2025 The automatic transmission has a leisurely approach to its job, delivering the next gear only when absolutely needed. Tim Stevens, Ars Technica, 22 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for absolutely

Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of absolutely was in the 14th century

Cite this Entry

“Absolutely.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/absolutely. Accessed 28 Feb. 2025.

Kids Definition

absolutely

adverb
ab·​so·​lute·​ly ˈab-sə-ˌlüt-lē How to pronounce absolutely (audio)
ˌab-sə-ˈlüt-
: in an absolute way : completely or definitely
you are absolutely right

More from Merriam-Webster on absolutely

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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