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

On Elliott’s defense that the “as is” nature of the acquisition was not itself enough for the city attorney to raise any red flags, the auditor flatly disagreed.

From Voice of San Diego

Hogan said he knows that there are people who flatly oppose the coronavirus vaccines and are harder to convince.

From Washington Post

"And in Montgomery, Kavanaugh wrote, "the Court flatly stated that 'Miller did not impose a formal fact-finding requirement' and added that 'a finding of fact regarding a child's incorrigibility .

From Washington Post

Changing the minds of those still flatly refusing the vaccine is likely a harder sell.

From FiveThirtyEight

Even if Schumer wants to do this today, Manchin said flatly after the election, “I will not vote to do that.”

From Washington Post

When asked if she thought a new intifada might be taking shape, she said flatly, “all the indications” are there.

From The Daily Beast

Reuters, for instance, reported flatly: “Russian TV channel says photos show MH17 shot down by fighter jet.”

From The Daily Beast

She claimed the children were “confused, had nothing to say, or flatly denied that anything had happened to them.”

From The Daily Beast

In the interview, Nakamoto flatly denied being the creator of Bitcoin.

From The Daily Beast

The authorities have flatly denied using live cartridges, stating that their rifles have only been loaded with rubber bullets.

From The Daily Beast

The men dropped the crowbars they had brought, and said flatly that they were not going to risk their throats in that devil's den.

From Project Gutenberg

Loyal Protestants refused it, therefore; flatly declined, though bidden and again bidden.

From Project Gutenberg

He faced the fact flatly and with the cool consideration of an uninterested counsellor.

From Project Gutenberg

Nelson now flatly refused obedience, on the ground of the local requirements in his part of the field.

From Project Gutenberg

"You mean that with all your infinite wisdom you can't do it," I accused flatly.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• absolutely
• categorically
• emphatically
• firmly
• unequivocally