absolutely
Definition from Wiktionary, the free dictionary
Contents |
English [edit]
Etymology [edit]
Pronunciation [edit]
Adverb [edit]
absolutely (not comparable)
- In an absolute or unconditional manner; utterly, positively, wholly. [First attested around 1350 to 1470.][1]
- Independently; viewed without relation to other things or factors. [First attested around 1350 to 1470.][1]
- (grammar) In a manner that does not take an object.
Usage notes [edit]
- Absolutely is not to be confused with intensives (very, indeed, or others) , as it is an unconditional term.
Translations [edit]
degree
in an absolute manner
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with absolution
Interjection [edit]
absolutely
Usage notes [edit]
- Some commentators, especially in England, criticise the interjectional use as having no useful meaning beyond that of yes;[2] however, this assumes that emphasis is useless, which, pragmatically speaking, it isn’t.
Translations [edit]
yes; certainly
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References [edit]
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 2003 [1933], Brown, Lesley editor, The Shorter Oxford English Dictionary, edition 5th, Oxford, UK: Oxford University Press, ISBN 978-0-19-860575-7, page 9:
- ^ “She Literally Exploded : The Daily Telegraph Infuriating Phrasebook”, Christopher Howse and Richard Preston (Constable‧London, 2007; ISBN 978‒1‒84529‒675‒9), page 3
