flatly

[ flat-lee ]

/ ˈflæt li /

Save This Word!

See synonyms for flatly on Thesaurus.com

adverb

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.

QUIZ

CAN YOU ANSWER THESE COMMON GRAMMAR DEBATES?

There are grammar debates that never die; and the ones highlighted in the questions in this quiz are sure to rile everyone up once again. Do you know how to answer the questions that cause some of the greatest grammar debates?

Question 1 of 7

Which sentence is correct?

His boss, whom he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

His boss, who he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

TAKE THE QUIZ TO FIND OUT

Origin of flatly

First recorded in 1560–70; flat¹ + -ly

Words nearby flatly

flatland, flatlet, flat light, flatline, flatling, flatly, flatmate, flat on one's back, flat-out, flat-pack, flat-panel display

How to use flatly in a sentence

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.
Politics Report: The Audit That Fell in an Empty Forest|Andrew Keatts|July 24, 2021|Voice of San Diego
Hogan said he knows that there are people who flatly oppose the coronavirus vaccines and are harder to convince.
Maryland offers chance at scholarships for teens who get vaccinated|Ovetta Wiggins|July 7, 2021|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 .
Supreme Court rules against juvenile sentenced to life without parole|Robert Barnes|April 22, 2021|Washington Post
Changing the minds of those still flatly refusing the vaccine is likely a harder sell.
More And More Americans Say They’ll Get Vaccinated — But It’s Still Unclear Just How Many Will|Ariel Edwards-Levy|March 31, 2021|FiveThirtyEight

Even if Schumer wants to do this today, Manchin said flatly after the election, “I will not vote to do that.”
The case against Democrats nuking the filibuster|Aaron Blake|January 22, 2021|Washington Post
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
Reuters, for instance, reported flatly: “Russian TV channel says photos show MH17 shot down by fighter jet.”
Digital Doublethink: Playing Truth or Dare with Putin, Assad and ISIS|Christopher Dickey, Anna Nemtsova|November 16, 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
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.
Masterpieces of Mystery, Vol. 1 (of 4)|Various
Loyal Protestants refused it, therefore; flatly declined, though bidden and again bidden.
History Of Friedrich II. of Prussia, Vol. III. (of XXI.)|Thomas Carlyle
He faced the fact flatly and with the cool consideration of an uninterested counsellor.
Gallegher and Other Stories|Richard Harding Davis
Nelson now flatly refused obedience, on the ground of the local requirements in his part of the field.
The Life of Nelson, Vol. I (of 2)|A. T. (Alfred Thayer) Mahan
"You mean that with all your infinite wisdom you can't do it," I accused flatly.
Sense from Thought Divide|Mark Irvin Clifton

flatly

Origin of flatly

Words nearby flatly

Words related to flatly

How to use flatly in a sentence