absently

American  

[ab-suhnt-lee] / ˈæb sənt li /

adverb

1. in an absent-minded manner; inattentively.

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ˈabsently British  

/ ˈæbsəntlɪ /

adverb

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

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Etymology

Origin of absently

First recorded in 1870–75; absent + -ly

Example Sentences

“Life is full of conflagrations,” he remarks, somewhat absently.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 3, 2026

One dancer, during a pause, absently does a tap combination like she’s not even thinking about it, like it’s suddenly become a part of her.

From Seattle Times • May 1, 2023

It was 80 degrees, but Hadi only removed his beanie briefly, to absently rub a long, silvery scar that stretched across the top of his head.

From Salon • Dec. 15, 2022

I was surrounded by couples and was absently flipping through profiles when I saw him — early 40s, with thick, sandy blond hair, a college professor and musician.

From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 12, 2019

Seating herself on the bed, Rachael smoothed absently at the spread; her expression had now become one of moodiness.

From "Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?" by Philip K. Dick