absolutely

English

Etymology

absolute +‎ -ly, from Middle English.

Pronunciation

  • (UK) IPA(key): /æb.səˈluːt.li/
  • (US) IPA(key): /ˌæb.səˈlut.li/, /ˈæb.səˌlut.li/
  • Audio (US)(file)

Adverb

absolutely (not comparable)

  1. In an absolute or unconditional manner; utterly, positively, wholly. [First attested around 1350 to 1470.][1]
  2. Independently; viewed without relation to other things or factors. [First attested around 1350 to 1470.][1]
  3. (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.

Translations

Interjection

absolutely

  1. Yes; certainly; expression indicating strong agreement. [First attested around 1350 to 1470.][1]

Usage notes

  • Some commentators, especially in England, criticise the interjectional use as having no useful meaning beyond that of yes;[2] however, this assumes that emphasis is useless, which, pragmatically speaking, it isn’t.

Translations

See also

References

  1. 1 2 3 Lesley Brown (editor), The Shorter Oxford English Dictionary, 5th edition (Oxford University Press, 2003 [1933], →ISBN), page 9
  2. ↑ Christopher Howse; Richard Preston (2007) She Literally Exploded: The Daily Telegraph Infuriating Phrasebook, London: Constable and Robinson, →ISBN, page 3.
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