absolutely
absolutely — adverb
1. to a total degree, with no part left out — used when you want to stress that wha
to a total degree, with no part left out — used when you want to stress that what you say is fully true.
Wen was absolutely sure she had locked the front door before leaving for work.
absolutely + adjective for emphasising certainty
The judges agreed that the young pianist's performance was absolutely flawless.
Nikolai absolutely refuses to eat anything that contains coriander.
Before take-off, the flight attendant told Hugo that fastening his seat belt was absolutely necessary.
Rohan trusts his grandmother absolutely and tells her every secret.
- completely
neutral and slightly more formal
- totally
more informal, very close in meaning
- utterly
stronger; usually with negative or extreme qualities
文法句型
absolutely + adjective
absolutely + verb
用法筆記
Often pairs with adjectives or verbs that already carry a clear meaning of truth, certainty, or refusal — adds force rather than meaning. Distinguish from sense 2, which pairs only with already-extreme adjectives like 'amazing' or 'awful'.
常見錯誤
2. to the highest possible level — placed before words that already describe an ext
to the highest possible level — placed before words that already describe an extreme feeling or quality (such as 'wonderful', 'awful', or 'love'), in places where 'very' would not normally fit.
The view from the top of Yangmingshan was absolutely breathtaking that morning.
absolutely + extreme adjective (breathtaking)
Grandma's homemade dumplings are absolutely delicious, even better than the famous shop downtown.
Priya absolutely adores her new puppy and carries her everywhere in a small bag.
The traffic on the way to the airport was absolutely terrible after the heavy rain.
The children were absolutely thrilled when they saw snow for the first time.
- totally
informal, almost interchangeable in this sense
- utterly
often paired with negative extremes (utterly awful)
- completely
slightly more neutral, less emotional
文法句型
absolutely + extreme adjective
absolutely + emotional verb
用法筆記
Pairs with 'ungradable' adjectives (huge, freezing, perfect, awful) and strong emotion verbs (love, hate, adore). Saying 'very perfect' sounds wrong; 'absolutely perfect' is natural. Distinguish from sense 1, which works with ordinary gradable adjectives.
常見錯誤
3. used on its own, or before a short reply, to mean 'yes, definitely' — a warm and
used on its own, or before a short reply, to mean 'yes, definitely' — a warm and confident way to agree with someone or to grant permission.
"Could you babysit Emma on Friday night?" "Absolutely, I'd love to."
stand-alone reply meaning a strong yes
"Do you think the new policy will help small farmers?" the reporter asked. "Absolutely," the minister replied.
When Sofia asked her coach if she could skip practice, he said, "Absolutely, take a rest day."
"May I borrow your bicycle for the afternoon?" "Absolutely, just bring it back before dinner."
Dr. Beatriz nodded and said, "Absolutely, your test results look very healthy."
- definitely
similar but a touch less enthusiastic
- certainly
more formal, also used to grant permission
- of course
implies the answer was obvious
文法句型
one-word reply: 'Absolutely!'
'Absolutely' + short clause
用法筆記
Almost always spoken; sounds warmer and more enthusiastic than a plain 'yes'. Often the entire reply on its own, sometimes followed by a short justifying clause. Distinguish from sense 4, which uses the same word with 'not' to mean a strong refusal.
常見錯誤
4. in the phrases 'absolutely not', 'absolutely no', or 'absolutely never' — a firm
in the phrases 'absolutely not', 'absolutely no', or 'absolutely never' — a firm, no-room-for-discussion way to disagree, refuse a request, or deny permission.
"Can I have another cookie before dinner?" Mom shook her head and answered, "Absolutely not."
'Absolutely not' as a refusal of permission
There is absolutely no excuse for hitting a classmate, no matter how angry you feel.
absolutely + no for total denial
The coach told the team that lateness would absolutely never be tolerated again this season.
When asked if he had taken the missing money, the cashier said, "Absolutely not — check the cameras yourself."
Riding a motorbike without a helmet is absolutely forbidden on this campus.
- definitely not
very close, slightly less forceful
- by no means
more formal written equivalent
- in no way
formal; emphasises full denial
- absolutely
the same word used alone means a strong yes (sense 3)
文法句型
'Absolutely not' as a stand-alone reply
Absolutely + no/never/nothing
用法筆記
Frequently appears as the two-word reply 'Absolutely not.' Strong and final — softer alternatives are 'I don't think so' or 'not really'. Distinguish from sense 3 (strong yes) — the meaning flips entirely with 'not', 'no', or 'never'.