absently

American

[ab-suhnt-lee] / ˈæb sənt li /

adverb

in an absent-minded manner; inattentively.

absently British

/ ˈæbsəntlɪ /

adverb

in an absent-minded or preoccupied manner; inattentively

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of absently

First recorded in 1870–75; absent + -ly

Vocabulary lists containing absently

Module 3: Assessed Vocabulary Guide

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Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Absently, she flicked light switches as she came in, forgetting that the power was out.

From Slate • Jul. 30, 2022

Absently he fingers a sheaf of teletypes on his desk.

From Time Magazine Archive

Absently, she removed a scrap of lint entangled in Aziza’s hair.

From "A Thousand Splendid Suns" by Khaled Hosseini

Absently he licked the marmalade off his fingertips.

From "The Long-Lost Home" by Maryrose Wood

Absently, he bent over and scratched his bare ankle.

From "Nine Stories" by J. D. Salinger

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023