English Reference

Word

flatly

Phoneticsflat·ly, stress on the first syllable

US/ˈfɫætɫi/

UK/flˈætli/

Definitions

01firmly and absolutely

B2 · Upper Intermediate

adv. in a way that is definite and leaves no room for doubt or change.

adv. in a manner that is absolute and uncompromising, typically used with verbs of communication like 'refuse' or 'deny'.

“The manager flatly refused to give us a refund for the broken toy.”

“The spokesperson flatly denied the allegations of corruption, stating that the company had followed all legal protocols during the merger.”

Synonyms

absolutelycategoricallycompletely

Antonyms

hesitantlypartially

02without emotion

C1 · Advanced Literary

adv. in a way that shows no feeling or interest in your voice.

adv. in a dull or monotonous tone that lacks emotional inflection or animation.

“"I don't care what happens next," he said flatly.”

“She delivered the tragic news flatly, her voice devoid of the grief that the observers had expected to witness.”

Synonyms

monotonouslyexpressionlesslydully

Antonyms

expressivelyanimatedly

03physically level

B2 · Upper Intermediate

adv. in a way that is level or spread out against a surface.

adv. in a physically level or horizontal manner; positioned flush against a surface.

“The map was laid flatly across the table so everyone could see it.”

“The fabric must be pressed flatly against the board to ensure the pattern is cut with absolute precision.”

Synonyms

horizontallyevenly

Antonyms

uprightvertically

Real-World Examples

“El-Sayed has flatly denied that he has any ties to the Egyptian group.”
The Guardian 17 Oct 2026
“Josephine plays him flatly, with little variety, although their performance certainly amuses.”
The Guardian 23 Aug 2026

Word family

ADJECTIVE

ADVERB

flatly(B2)

This entry

Exam level
CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
Frequency
Occasional
Level
B2 · Upper Intermediate
Updated

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English Reference