flatly

[ flat-lee ]

/ ˈflæt li /

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.

Nearby words

First recorded in 1560–70; flat¹ + -ly

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

When asked if she thought a new intifada might be taking shape, she said flatly, “all the indications” are there.
Intifada 3.0: Growing Unrest and a Plot to Kill an Israeli Minister|Creede Newton|November 21, 2014|DAILY BEAST
She claimed the children were “confused, had nothing to say, or flatly denied that anything had happened to them.”
How the ‘Witch Hunt’ Myth Undermined American Justice|Jason Berry|July 12, 2014|DAILY BEAST
In the interview, Nakamoto flatly denied being the creator of Bitcoin.
Mysteries Continue to Swirl Around the Identity of Bitcoin’s Creator|Jake Adelstein|March 11, 2014|DAILY BEAST
The authorities have flatly denied using live cartridges, stating that their rifles have only been loaded with rubber bullets.
The Battle for Kiev Begins|Oleg Shynkarenko|February 18, 2014|DAILY BEAST

Netanyahu said flatly and unequivocally that he was “ready for peace.”
Netanyahu: Israel’s What’s Right With the Middle East|Christopher Dickey|January 23, 2014|DAILY BEAST
But a minutely literal interpretation of this phrase makes "on the third day" flatly erroneous.
A Harmony of the Gospels for Students of the Life of Christ|Archibald Thomas Robertson
Yes, Sir,” she said, “I am afraid he did; he flatly told me that he had not touched the baby-house.
The Stokesley Secret|Charlotte M. Yonge
As to the unmarketable nature of his cargo, that specious plea is flatly disproved by the ship's manifest.
An Old New Zealander|T. Lindsay Buick
She had flatly told the consultation that she would not try it.
Elster's Folly|Mrs. Henry Wood
She had cautioned the girls against opening theirs, but Billie had flatly rebelled.
The Motor Maids Across the Continent|Katherine Stokes

adv.

early 15c., in a literal sense, from flat (adj.) + -ly (2). Meaning "in a plain manner" is from 1560s; sense of "in a dull manner" is from 1640s.