- A strong way of saying Yes, Definitely, or expressing complete agreement.
- Indicates certainty and lack of reservation.
Explanation
Origin
- Derived from the adjective absolute, meaning complete, total, or not qualified.
- Standard English, used to emphasize affirmation or agreement.
Synonyms & Related Expressions
Alternatives
Slang/Informal:
- Totally.
- 100% (Pronounced One hundred percent)
- For real.
- Bet.
Vulgar/Emphatic:
- Abso-fucking-lutely.
- Damn right.
- Fuck yeah. / Hell yeah.
Milder/Standard:
- Yes, definitely.
- I completely agree.
- That is correct.
Situational Appropriateness
- Widely appropriate, from informal to formal settings.
- Its strength makes it suitable for professional contexts where certainty is needed.
- Can be used enthusiastically in casual conversation.
Misunderstanding Warnings
- Very unlikely to be misunderstood. It's a clear and strong affirmation.
Examples
- Person A: Do you think this is the right decision? Person B: Absolutely.
- Is this the best route? Absolutely, it avoids all the traffic.
- Person A: This performance was incredible. Person B: Absolutely!
Dialogue
Client: Are you sure you can meet the deadline?
Contractor: Absolutely. We're well on schedule.
Client: Excellent. That's reassuring to hear.
Contractor: We'll send you an update tomorrow.
Social Media Examples
- Poll response: Q: Is coffee essential? -> Absolutely (Selected option or comment)
- Reply to a question: Is this plugin worth installing? -> Absolutely, it saved me so much time.
- Comment agreeing with a statement: This artist is phenomenal. -> Absolutely! Saw them live last year.
Response Patterns
- Good.
- Great, I thought so too.
- Okay, perfect.
- Often followed by elaboration or moving to the next step.
Common Follow-up Questions/Actions
After someone confirms with Absolutely:
- The asker might feel reassured and proceed (Okay great, let's do it then.).
- The person agreeing might add a reason (Absolutely, it's much faster.).
- The conversation naturally continues, building on the confirmed point.
Conversation Starter
- No.
- Always a response to a question requiring confirmation or a statement inviting agreement.
Intonation
- Strong, confident tone.
- Stress usually falls on the first and third syllables: AB-so-LUTE-ly.
- Falling intonation, conveying certainty. Can have an upward lilt if expressing enthusiastic agreement.
Generation Differences
- Used commonly across all generations.
Regional Variations
- Universal in all English-speaking regions.