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

See Examples For:

flatly

This might sound harsh, but I think that logic is, flatly, stupid.

From Slate ● Aug. 4, 2026

“The Catcher in the Rye” is a text that is flatly impossible to decouple from its author: A book about trauma written in the midst of trauma by a traumatized man.

From Salon ● Jul. 25, 2026

It was flatly refused by the Newsom administration.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jun. 26, 2026

While the Fed’s rules don’t flatly forbid closed-door meetings, they instruct officials to avoid sharing personal policy views with anyone who could profit financially unless those views are already public.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jun. 19, 2026

“I’m not afraid of you,” I say flatly.

From "Will’s Race for Home" by Jewell Parker Rhodes

Related Words

• absolutely
• categorically
• emphatically
• firmly
• unequivocally