flatly

American  

[flat-lee] / ˈflæt li /

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.

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Etymology

Origin of flatly

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

Explanation

Saying something flatly means conveying a direct, clear idea in a firm way. It's fine to flatly instruct your dog walker to stop dressing your bulldog in a tutu. Someone who's comfortable being straightforward will have no problem flatly refusing to pay for a terrible meal in a restaurant or flatly directing a taxi driver to turn down the radio. Some synonyms for flatly include unequivocally and categorically. Sometimes this adverb is also used to mean "without emotion," as when you receive some stunningly bad news and flatly reply, "Oh, I see."

Example Sentences

Apple criticised the law on Monday when it blamed the DMA for its delayed rollout of the AI-enhanced voice assistant Siri, which the EU flatly rejected.

From Barron's • Jun. 9, 2026

The former congressman has flatly and vigorously denied criminal wrongdoing while acknowledging and apologizing for unspecific “mistakes.”

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 17, 2026

Brian Jabarian, a University of Chicago economist who conducted a rigorous independent evaluation of A.I. detectors, told me flatly, “This narrative that we shouldn’t use A.I. detection doesn’t seem to hold anymore.”

From Slate • Apr. 17, 2026

Associated Newspapers, the owners of the two papers, flatly denies acting unlawfully.

From BBC • Mar. 31, 2026

Sir Lawrence flatly denied prior knowledge of Francis’ efforts and was thoroughly insulted by the implication that he had underhandedly used another scientist’s ideas.

From "Double Helix" by James D. Watson

Related Words

• absolutely
• categorically
• emphatically
• firmly
• unequivocally