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 18th 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 Being away from a place; withdrawn from a place; not present.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



RESET




Word of the Day

28 March 2025

HOST

(noun) a person who invites guests to a social event (such as a party in his or her own home) and who is responsible for them while they are there


coffee icon

Coffee Trivia

The word “coffee” entered the English language in 1582 via the Dutch “koffie,” borrowed from the Ottoman Turkish “kahve,” borrowed in turn from the Arabic “qahwah.” The Arabic word qahwah was traditionally held to refer to a type of wine.

coffee icon