absolutely
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1 completely (adv.) B1 Intermediatecompletely or totally. You use this to emphasize that something is 100% true.
wholly or entirely; used as an intensifier to indicate the maximum degree of a quality.
ExampleI was absolutely exhausted after the long flight from London.
ExampleThe witness was absolutely certain about the sequence of events, refusing to let the lawyer's questioning shake her confidence.
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2 extremely (adv.) B1 Intermediate Informalvery much. You use this to make a feeling or quality stronger.
used as an intensive to emphasize a statement or feeling.
ExampleIt is absolutely freezing outside today, so wear a heavy coat.
ExampleThe performance was absolutely brilliant, capturing the audience's attention from the very first note until the final curtain call.
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3 strong agreement (interj.) B1 Intermediatea way to say 'yes' very strongly when you agree with someone.
an emphatic affirmative used to express total agreement with a previous statement or question.
Example"Do you think we should leave now?" "Absolutely."
Example"Do you agree that the current strategy is unsustainable?" "Absolutely; we need to pivot immediately to remain competitive."
From late Middle English absolutly, first attested in 1425. The term is a compound of absolute and the suffix -ly.
Typically modifies non-gradable adjectives (e.g., 'perfect', 'impossible') rather than gradable ones (e.g., 'big', 'tired').
It is absolutely hot todayIt is very hot todayAbsolutely is usually paired with 'extreme' or non-gradable adjectives like 'boiling'; for standard gradable adjectives like 'hot', use 'very'.