flatly

/ˈflætli/ (bre, ipa) · [flˈætli] /ˈflætli/ (ame, ipa)

flatly — adverb

1. firmly and completely, so a refusal, denial, or disagreement sounds final.

1.副詞C1
釋義

firmly and completely, so a refusal, denial, or disagreement sounds final.

例句

Sari flatly refused to lend her brother the car again.

flatly + refuse for a final no

The company flatly denied any link to the unsafe toys.

flatly + deny

同義詞
  • categorically

    more formal and especially common in public denials

  • firmly

    broader and slightly less sharp in tone

  • bluntly

    adds a stronger sense of directness and possible rudeness

反義詞

文法句型

flatly + refuse / deny / reject

flatly + disagree

say flatly + clause

用法筆記

Most often appears with verbs such as 'refuse', 'deny', 'reject', and 'disagree', or before a short answer like 'no'. Distinguish from sense 2: here 'flatly' marks how definite the speaker's position is, not how cold the tone sounds.

常見錯誤

❌The manager flatly the plan.
✅The manager flatly rejected the plan.
💡'flatly' is an adverb, so it must modify a verb such as 'reject', 'deny', or 'refuse'.

2. in a cold, uninterested way that shows little feeling.

2.副詞C2
釋義

in a cold, uninterested way that shows little feeling.

例句

When Omar said thanks, the clerk flatly said, 'Next customer, please.'

say + flatly for a cold tone

At breakfast, Hui flatly answered every question with one short word.

answer + flatly

同義詞
  • coldly

    the closest general word for a lack of warmth

  • curtly

    stresses short, sharp wording more than lack of feeling

  • emotionlessly

    stronger and more formal, with complete absence of feeling

反義詞

文法句型

say / reply / answer + flatly

flatly + ask / tell

用法筆記

Usually modifies verbs of speaking such as 'say', 'reply', 'answer', and 'tell'. Distinguish from sense 1: this sense focuses on a voice or manner with little emotion, even when the words are not a refusal.

常見錯誤

❌The bus flatly stopped at the corner.
✅The bus stopped suddenly at the corner.
💡'flatly' describes a cold tone or manner, not speed or movement.