blankly

[blangk-lee]

adverb

1. without expression or understanding.

   She stared blankly at her inquisitors.

2. in every respect; totally; fully.

   He blankly denied ever saying such a thing.

Word History and Origins

Origin of blankly¹

First recorded in 1815–25; blank + -ly

Example Sentences

He stared blankly at the judge as she spoke.

From Los Angeles Times

The entire time the Lakers’ star guard just stared blankly ahead.

From Los Angeles Times

Smoking a string of cigarettes or blankly watching whatever’s on television, her face a canvas of exhaustion and depression, Janice is struggling to pick up the pieces.

From Los Angeles Times

SPOKANE, Wash. — The tenacious freshman stared ahead blankly, her eyes welling with tears, the losing USC locker room silent around her.

From Los Angeles Times

She stared ahead blankly for nearly a minute as Blevins peppered her with cutting questions about whether she needed to apologize to Angelenos for being in Africa.

From Los Angeles Times