ABSENTLY

absently, abstractedly, inattentively, absentmindedly

(adverb) in an absentminded or preoccupied manner; “he read the letter absently”

Source: WordNet® 3.1

Etymology

Adverb

absently (comparative more absently, superlative most absently)

In an absent-minded or abstracted manner. [From the late 18^th century.]

Synonyms

• absent-mindedly

• abstractedly

Source: Wiktionary

Ab"sent*ly, adv.

Definition: In an absent or abstracted manner.

ABSENT

Ab"sent, a. Etym: [F., fr. absens, absentis, p. pr. of abesse to be away from; ab + esse to be. Cf. Sooth.]

1. Being away from a place; withdrawn from a place; not present. "Expecting absent friends." Shak.

2. Not existing; lacking; as, the part was rudimental or absent.

3. Inattentive to what is passing; absent-minded; preoccupied; as, an absent air. What is commonly called an absent man is commonly either a very weak or a very affected man. Chesterfield.

Syn.

– Absent, Abstracted. These words both imply a want of attention to surrounding objects. We speak of a man as absent when his thoughts wander unconsciously from present scenes or topics of discourse; we speak of him as abstracted when his mind (usually for a brief period) is drawn off from present things by some weighty matter for reflection. Absence of mind is usually the result of loose habits of thought; abstraction commonly arises either from engrossing interests and cares, or from unfortunate habits of association.

Ab*sent", v. t. [imp. & p. p. Absented; p. pr. & vb. n. Absenting.] Etym: [Cf. F. absenter.]

1. To take or withdraw (one's self) to such a distance as to prevent intercourse; -- used with the reflexive pronoun. If after due summons any member absents himself, he is to be fined. Addison.

2. To withhold from being present. [Obs.] "Go; for thy stay, not free, absents thee more." Milton.

Source: Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary 1913 Edition

ABSENTLY

Etymology

Adverb

Synonyms

ABSENT

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