different between absolutely vs openly

English

Etymology

absolute +? -ly, from Middle English.

Pronunciation

• (UK) IPA^(key): /æb.s??l(j)u?t.l?/
• (US) IPA^(key): /?æb.s??lut.li/, /?æb.s??lut.li/

Adverb

absolutely (not comparable)

1. In an absolute or unconditional manner; utterly, positively, wholly. [First attested around 1350 to 1470.]
2. Independently; viewed without relation to other things or factors. [First attested around 1350 to 1470.]
3. (grammar) In a manner that does not take an object.

Usage notes

• Absolutely is not to be confused with intensives such as very or indeed, as it is an unconditional term, absolutely/*very essential, vital or crucial.

Synonyms

• (in an absolute or unconditional manner): See also Thesaurus:completely
• (viewed without relation to other things): See also Thesaurus:individually

Translations

Interjection

absolutely

1. Yes; certainly; expression indicating strong agreement. [First attested around 1350 to 1470.]

Usage notes

• Some commentators, especially in England, criticise the interjectional use as having no useful meaning beyond that of yes; however, this assumes that emphasis is useless, which, pragmatically speaking, it isn’t.

Derived terms

Translations

See also

• absitively posolutely

References

English

Etymology

open +? -ly

Pronunciation

• (General American) IPA^(key): /?o?p?nli/

Adverb

openly (comparative more openly, superlative most openly)

1. In an open manner, visibly, not covertly.

   • Nevertheless, without openly admitting it, he was devoted to Boxer;

Synonyms

• clearly, evidently, plainly; see also Thesaurus:obviously

Translations

Anagrams

• poleyn, pyelon