flatly
UK: ˈflætli | US: ˈflætli
adv. in a direct and uncompromising manner; without emotion or hesitation
adv. in a flat or level manner; without variation
The word "flatly" combines "flat," derived from Old Norse "flatr" (meaning "level" or "plain"), with the adverbial suffix "-ly," which originates from Old English "-līce." Over time, "flat" evolved to describe both physical flatness and figurative directness (e.g., a "flat refusal"). The suffix "-ly" systematically converts adjectives into adverbs, preserving the core meaning while modifying grammatical function. Thus, "flatly" inherits both literal ("levelly") and metaphorical ("unambiguously") senses from its root.
She flatly refused to attend the meeting.
He spoke flatly, without any emotional inflection.
The land stretched flatly into the horizon.
The manager flatly denied the allegations.
He answered the question flatly, leaving no room for doubt.