flatly
Americanadverb
-
absolutely and without qualification.
Our offer was flatly rejected.
-
without vitality or animation.
He spoke flatly about the death of his wife.
-
in a level, even, or smooth manner.
Apply the tape flatly to the pipe.
Etymology
Origin of flatly
First recorded in 1560–70; flat 1 ( def. ) + -ly ( def. )
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.
The first act hews to the documentary in a flatly straightforward fashion.
From Los Angeles Times
Yet, bond markets and the dollar flatly disagree.
“It is flatly untrue to suggest that these changes are arbitrary or politically motivated,” the spokesperson told Reuters.
From Salon
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.
From BBC
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.
From Los Angeles Times
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
