Absently: meaning, definitions and examples

Used when someone is doing something without paying attention because their mind is focused on something else.

• She nodded absently, lost in thought.
• He stirred his coffee absently as he read the letter.

Describes a person performing an action without focus because their thoughts are elsewhere, often used in a slightly more descriptive way compared to 'absently'.

• He absentmindedly patted his pockets, searching for his keys.
• She absentmindedly doodled on her notebook during the meeting.

Describes a lack of attention or concentration on a task, often carrying nuances of carelessness or neglect.

• He inattentively skimmed through the report, missing important details.
• She completed her homework inattentively, resulting in many errors.