Absolutely — From Latin to English | etymologist.ai
absolutely
/ˌæb.səˈluːt.li/·adverb·15th century·Established
Origin
From Latin 'absolūtus' (set free, completed), through Old French, combining 'ab-' (away) and 'solvere' (to loosen) — literally 'loosened away from' all conditions.
Definition
Without any restriction, qualification, or limitation; completely and totally
The Full Story
Latin15th centurywell-attested
Derived from theLatin 'absolūtus,' the past participle of 'absolvere,' meaning 'to set free, complete, or acquit.' The Latin verb combines 'ab-' (away from) and 'solvere' (to loosen, release). The adverbial form entered Englishthrough the adjective 'absolute,' which arrived via Old French 'absolut' in the late 14th century. The '-ly' suffix was
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In the 18th century, 'absolutely' was considered informal and somewhat vulgar when used as a standalone affirmative response. Grammarians of the period railed against it, preferring 'certainly' or 'indeed.' Its currentstatus as a perfectly acceptable conversational intensifier would