flatly
Americanadverb
-
absolutely and without qualification.
Our offer was flatly rejected.
-
without vitality or animation.
He spoke flatly about the death of his wife.
-
in a level, even, or smooth manner.
Apply the tape flatly to the pipe.
Etymology
Origin of flatly
First recorded in 1560–70; flat 1 ( def. ) + -ly ( def. )
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.
In particular, the insurers flatly denied in court that their agents had any “special relationship of trust and confidence” with their customers.
From MarketWatch • Mar. 20, 2026
“The NCAA’s business model would be flatly illegal in almost any other industry in America,” Kavanaugh wrote in 2020, a declaration that accelerated the NIL era.
From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 9, 2026
But Wiegman flatly refused to underestimate Iceland, who have qualified for the last five European Championships but have never made a Women's World Cup finals.
From BBC • Mar. 6, 2026
Gates’ office flatly rejected the claims in a statement on Friday.
From Salon • Feb. 4, 2026
“They don’t bother to find out about them,” Mr. Gayle said flatly.
From "Black Like Me" by John Howard Griffin
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
