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.
It kept generating random false answers, even while flatly insisting that they were correct and accurate.
From MarketWatch • Mar. 18, 2026
But Wiegman flatly refused to underestimate Iceland, who have qualified for the last five European Championships but have never made a Women's World Cup finals.
From BBC • Mar. 6, 2026
“We flatly deny any allegations of wrongdoing by the Federal Trade Commission, and we stand firmly behind the integrity and transparency of our programs,” the company said at the time.
From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 12, 2026
This assertion flatly contradicted the landmark 2008 District of Columbia v.
From Salon • Feb. 7, 2026
“They don’t bother to find out about them,” Mr. Gayle said flatly.
From "Black Like Me" by John Howard Griffin
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.
