flatly

[flat-lee]

adverb

1. absolutely and without qualification.

   Our offer was flatly rejected.

2. without vitality or animation.

   He spoke flatly about the death of his wife.

3. in a level, even, or smooth manner.

   Apply the tape flatly to the pipe.

Word History and Origins

Origin of flatly¹

First recorded in 1560–70; flat ¹ ( def. ) + -ly ( def. )

Example Sentences

As he usually does, the vice president traps the press into playing his game by saying something flatly, outrageously untrue.

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Han Hak-ja flatly rejected claims that she directed the bribery when confronted by reporters as she emerged from nine hours of questioning at the prosecutor's office.

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Bargatze does not sing or dance, and during a recent appearance on “The Late Show With Stephen Colbert,” flatly resisted the idea that he would attempt to do so for purposes of the Emmy broadcast.

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Edison has flatly disputed the lawyers’ assertions, calling their claims about the 2019 fire an “exotic ignition theory” based on “an unproven narrative.”

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Documenting “coordinated action to intentionally destroy Palestinian society in the Gaza Strip,” B’Tselem flatly declared that “Israel is committing genocide against Palestinians.”

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Related Words

• absolutely 
• categorically 
• emphatically 
• firmly 
• unequivocally