flatly

Everyday

1. Flatly means completely and firmly, with no doubt: "She flatly refused." tree →
2. Flatly means in a dull, flat voice without feeling or expression. tree →

In the lessons

In stories it shows a character saying a firm "no" or speaking in a bored or sad voice. Phrases: «flatly refused», «flatly denied», «said flatly».

Examples

• He flatly refused to eat the sprouts. tree →
• The boy flatly denied breaking the window. tree →
• "I don't care," she said flatly. tree →
• The team flatly rejected the idea of cheating. tree →
• He spoke flatly, as if he were very tired. tree →
• Mum flatly said no to a second dog. tree →
• When the queen—or, rather, the swineherd’s daughter—heard of this, she very much wished to have the distaff, but the girl flatly refused to give it to her. tree →

Note

Adverb from «flat» + -ly. Usually goes before the verb («flatly refused, flatly denied»). It does not mean "in a flat shape"; for that you say «laid flat».