blankly

[ blangk-lee ]

adverb

1. without expression or understanding:

   She stared blankly at her inquisitors.

2. in every respect; totally; fully:

   He blankly denied ever saying such a thing.

Word History and Origins

Origin of blankly¹

First recorded in 1815–25; blank + -ly

Example Sentences

But after the most recent loss, he sat slumped in his chair, staring blankly into a crowd of reporters asking questions about where the season had veered off course.

From Los Angeles Times

Coddington was lying on the ground bleeding, alive but staring blankly.

From Los Angeles Times

Without having received physical injuries of any kind, men might begin to tremble or shake uncontrollably; some became like zombies, staring blankly into the distance as though in a trance.

From Literature

He stared at me blankly before apologizing and saying he never meant to hurt me.

From Los Angeles Times

Whether instructors were described as being "very warm and friendly" or staring blankly and making students nervous, the scenarios that had professors stating a growth mindset had a much more positive response from the students.

From Science Daily