different between absolutely vs unequivocally

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

unequivocal +? -ly.

Pronunciation

• (Received Pronunciation) IPA^(key): /?n??kw?v?k(?)l?/
• (General American) enPR: ?n'?-kw?v??-k?l-?, ?n'?-kw?v??-kl?, IPA^(key): /??n???kw?v?k(?)li/
• Rhymes: -?v?k?li, -?v?kli
• Hyphenation: un?equiv?o?cal?ly

Adverb

unequivocally (comparative more unequivocally, superlative most unequivocally)

1. In a way that leaves no doubt; in an unequivocal or unambiguous manner, unquestionably.

Synonyms

• expressly, unambiguously; see also Thesaurus:explicitly

Translations