flatly

[ flat-lee ]

/ ˈflæt li /

absolutely and without qualification: Our offer was flatly rejected.

without vitality or animation: He spoke flatly about the death of his wife.

in a level, even, or smooth manner: Apply the tape flatly to the pipe.

Origin of flatly

First recorded in 1560–70; flat¹ + -ly

When asked if she thought a new intifada might be taking shape, she said flatly, “all the indications” are there.

Intifada 3.0: Growing Unrest and a Plot to Kill an Israeli Minister |Creede Newton |November 21, 2014 |DAILY BEAST
She claimed the children were “confused, had nothing to say, or flatly denied that anything had happened to them.”

How the ‘Witch Hunt’ Myth Undermined American Justice |Jason Berry |July 12, 2014 |DAILY BEAST
In the interview, Nakamoto flatly denied being the creator of Bitcoin.

Mysteries Continue to Swirl Around the Identity of Bitcoin’s Creator |Jake Adelstein |March 11, 2014 |DAILY BEAST
The authorities have flatly denied using live cartridges, stating that their rifles have only been loaded with rubber bullets.

The Battle for Kiev Begins |Oleg Shynkarenko |February 18, 2014 |DAILY BEAST

Netanyahu said flatly and unequivocally that he was “ready for peace.”

Netanyahu: Israel’s What’s Right With the Middle East |Christopher Dickey |January 23, 2014 |DAILY BEAST
But a minutely literal interpretation of this phrase makes "on the third day" flatly erroneous.

A Harmony of the Gospels for Students of the Life of Christ |Archibald Thomas Robertson
Yes, Sir,” she said, “I am afraid he did; he flatly told me that he had not touched the baby-house.

The Stokesley Secret |Charlotte M. Yonge
As to the unmarketable nature of his cargo, that specious plea is flatly disproved by the ship's manifest.

An Old New Zealander |T. Lindsay Buick
She had flatly told the consultation that she would not try it.

Elster's Folly |Mrs. Henry Wood
She had cautioned the girls against opening theirs, but Billie had flatly rebelled.

The Motor Maids Across the Continent |Katherine Stokes