Definition

1. Adverb:
   • Completely and totally; without any doubt or limitation: Used to emphasize that something is completely true, certain, or the case.
   • Used for emphasis to agree strongly or to express total certainty: Often used in informal speech to give strong affirmation.

Usage Examples

• To emphasize totality or certainty:
  • We are absolutely opposed to the idea.
  • Iron is absolutely necessary for the body.
  • You can be absolutely sure of my support.
• To give strong agreement or affirmation (informal):
  • "Do you think it's a good plan?" – "Absolutely!"
  • You are absolutely right about that.

Advanced Usage

• "absolutely not": Used for a very strong and definite refusal or denial.
  • "Can I borrow your car?" – "Absolutely not!"
• "absolutely essential/crucial/vital": Used to stress that something is completely necessary.
  • Trust is absolutely essential in a relationship.
• "absolutely + adjective/adverb": Intensifies the meaning of the following word to its maximum degree.
  • The performance was absolutely stunning.
  • She was absolutely furious.

Variants and Related Words

• Absolute (adjective): Complete, total, or not limited in any way.
  • He has absolute control over the decision.
• Absoluteness (noun): The quality of being absolute.

Synonyms

• Completely: In every way or to the fullest extent.
• Totally: In a complete or absolute manner.
• Utterly: Completely and without qualification.
• Definitely: Without doubt; certainly.
• Positively: With certainty; absolutely.

Antonyms

• Partially: Only in part; not completely.
• Somewhat: To a moderate extent or degree.
• Doubtfully: In a manner full of doubt.

Notes on Usage

• Informal vs. Formal: While "absolutely" is acceptable in formal writing to mean "completely," its use as a standalone exclamation of agreement ("Absolutely!") is more informal.
• Position in Sentence: Typically placed before the adjective, adverb, or verb it modifies.
  • Correct: It is absolutely clear.
  • Less Common: It absolutely is clear. (This structure is possible but often used for specific emphasis.)
• Avoiding Redundancy: Be careful not to use "absolutely" with words that already imply totality (e.g., "absolutely unique" can be considered redundant by some, as "unique" means one of a kind).

Adverb

1. totally and definitely; without question
   • we are absolutely opposed to the idea
   • he forced himself to lie absolutely still
   • iron is absolutely necessary
2. completely and without qualification; used informally as intensifiers
   • an absolutely magnificent painting
   • a perfectly idiotic idea
   • you're perfectly right
   • utterly miserable
   • you can be dead sure of my innocence
   • was dead tired
   • dead right