Word Adverb
absently
adv.
B2 Upper Intermediate ab·sent·ly
Definition
adv.to do something without thinking or paying much attention. You use this when you are distracted and not fully focused on the task at hand.
adv.in a way that lacks attention or awareness; performed without conscious thought or intention.
Examples
“He absently tapped his pen on the desk.”
“She absently picked at the hem of her dress while listening to the boring lecture.”
“The witness absently nodded as the lawyer spoke, failing to realize that his lack of engagement was being interpreted as a sign of guilt.”
Etymology
From absent + -ly.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
This entry
Level B2 · Upper Intermediate
Frequency Rare
Updated