absently

[ ab-suhnt-lee ]

adverb

1. in an absent-minded manner; inattentively.

ˈabsently

/ ˈæbsəntlɪ /

adverb

1. in an absent-minded or preoccupied manner; inattentively

Word History and Origins

Origin of absently¹

First recorded in 1870–75; absent + -ly

Example Sentences

Oh,” said Kenney absently, “I was wondering what happened to that.

From The Daily Beast

Absently his hands wandered through the pockets, and found his purse and the money in an outside pocket.

From Project Gutenberg

She led Isabel over to Mrs. Kaye, who sat alone on a small sofa, sipping her coffee and absently puffing at a cigarette.

From Project Gutenberg

For another minute or two he sat there without speaking, absently flipping pebbles over the bank.

From Project Gutenberg

"Certainly—certainly," murmured the Assistant Commissioner, glancing up absently.

From Project Gutenberg

He was a fat little man who sat habitually with a hand on either knee, which he clawed absently both in conversation and thought.

From Project Gutenberg