absently

[ ab-suh nt-lee ]

/ ˈæb sənt li /

in an absent-minded manner; inattentively.

Origin of absently

First recorded in 1870–75; absent + -ly

Oh,” said Kenney absently, “I was wondering what happened to that.

Doug Kenney: The Odd Comic Genius Behind ‘Animal House’ and National Lampoon |Robert Sam Anson |March 1, 2014 |DAILY BEAST
"Yes, that was right," he said absently, and pinched a spray of southernwood that grew beside the door.

Meadow Grass |Alice Brown
As he strode forward to welcome the stranger, he absently tore the crumpled sheet of paper to bits and consigned it to the winds.

When 'Bear Cat' Went Dry |Charles Neville Buck
Sarah Brown absently unwrapped the little dinner which she had brought hanging by a thin string from a strangled finger.

Living Alone |Stella Benson

Smith screwed his face and squeezed a pimple on his throat; Steelman absently counted the flies on the wall.

Over the Sliprails |Henry Lawson
“Thank you,” said Will, absently, and walked on into the house.

Stories by American Authors, Volume 9 |Various

absently

/ (ˈæbsəntlɪ) /

in an absent-minded or preoccupied manner; inattentively