absently

American

[ab-suhnt-lee] / ˈæb sənt li /

adverb

in an absent-minded manner; inattentively.

ˈabsently British

/ ˈæbsəntlɪ /

adverb

in an absent-minded or preoccupied manner; inattentively

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of absently

First recorded in 1870–75; absent + -ly

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.

“Life is full of conflagrations,” he remarks, somewhat absently.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 3, 2026

At the Sunset Boulevard exit, I absently looked at the car to my left.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 17, 2025

One dancer, during a pause, absently does a tap combination like she’s not even thinking about it, like it’s suddenly become a part of her.

From Seattle Times • May 1, 2023

It was 80 degrees, but Hadi only removed his beanie briefly, to absently rub a long, silvery scar that stretched across the top of his head.

From Salon • Dec. 15, 2022

She gripped the dishcloth against her midriff and wrung it absently, her knuckles white.

From "The Red Car to Hollywood" by Jennie Liu

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023