# flatly

/ˈfɫætɫi/ (US) · /flˈætli/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/flatly
Updated: 2026-08-08

## Senses

### 1. firmly and absolutely

adverb · CEFR B2

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

For teachers: 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.

### 2. without emotion

adverb · CEFR C1 · Literary

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

For teachers: 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.

### 3. physically level

adverb · CEFR B2

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

For teachers: 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.

## Examples

- He answered my question flatly.
- She looked at him flatly when he tried to explain why he was late for the meeting.
- The witness responded to the prosecutor's aggressive questioning with a flatly dismissive attitude, refusing to provide any further details about the incident.

---

From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.