absently

[ ab-suhnt-lee ]

adverb

1. in an absent-minded manner; inattentively.

ˈabsently

/ ˈæbsəntlɪ /

adverb

1. in an absent-minded or preoccupied manner; inattentively

Word History and Origins

Origin of absently¹

First recorded in 1870–75; absent + -ly

Example Sentences

“And stop the screaming,” Jack added absently, and the howling stopped immediately.

From Literature

Jack nodded, then absently glanced over at the text, where words that May could barely remember drifted up from the ether.

From Literature

“Interfere, young man,” the Wicked Queen said almost absently, “and you’ll regret it. Now, May, I asked you a question. Why did you do that?”

From Literature

“Nah,” Jack said absently, staring with the rest of them at the doors to the palace.

From Literature

The girl’s wings shimmered in the sunlight as she flapped them absently.

From Literature