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Webster 1913 Edition


Flatly

Flat′ly

,
adv.
1.
In a flat manner; evenly; horizontally; without spirit; dully; frigidly.
He that does the works of religion slowly,
flatly
, and without appetite.
Jer. Taylor.
2.
peremptorily; positively; plainly; forthrightly.
“He flatly refused his aid.”
Sir P. Sidney.

Webster 1828 Edition


Flatly

FLAT'LY

, adv.
1.
Horizontally; without inclination.
2.
Evenly; without elevations and depressions.
3.
Without spirit; dully; frigidly.
4.
Peremptorily; positively; downright.
He flatly refused his aid.

Definition 2024


flatly

flatly

English

Adverb

flatly (comparative more flatly, superlative most flatly)

  1. In a definite manner; in a manner showing complete certainty.
    It was an accusation that he flatly denied.
  2. In a manner that shows no emotion.
    He replied flatly to the policeman's questions.

Usage notes

  • In sense 1. the collocation is nearly always with a negative idea. To flatly deny. To flatly refuse. To flatly contradict. And so on, similarly.

Translations