Absentmindedly: meaning, definitions and examples

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absentmindedly

 

[ ˌæbsəntˈmaɪndɪdli ]

Adverb / Adjective
Context #1 | Adverb

acting without awareness or attention

Acting or done without being aware of what one is doing. Lacking attention or care; forgetful.

Synonyms

carelessly, inattentively, unconsciously

Examples of usage

  • He absentmindedly left his keys in the car.
  • She spoke absentmindedly, her mind elsewhere.
  • The professor absentmindedly walked into the wrong classroom.
Context #2 | Adjective

characterized by a lack of attention or awareness

Having or showing a habitually forgetful or inattentive disposition. Lost in thought and unaware of one's surroundings.

Synonyms

distracted, forgetful, inattentive

Examples of usage

  • He is often absentminded and forgets where he put his glasses.
  • She gave an absentminded reply, not realizing the question was directed at her.
  • The absentminded professor often misplaced his notes.

Translations

Translations of the word "absentmindedly" in other languages:

🇵🇹 distraidamente

🇮🇳 अनमने ढंग से

🇩🇪 geistesabwesend

🇮🇩 dengan pikiran melayang

🇺🇦 розсіяно

🇵🇱 roztargniony

🇯🇵 ぼんやりと

🇫🇷 distraitement

🇪🇸 distraídamente

🇹🇷 dalgın bir şekilde

🇰🇷 멍하게

🇸🇦 بسرحان

🇨🇿 roztržitě

🇸🇰 roztržito

🇨🇳 心不在焉地

🇸🇮 odsotno

🇮🇸 utan við sig

🇰🇿 ойсыз

🇬🇪 გაფანტული

🇦🇿 düşüncəsizcə

🇲🇽 distraídamente

Etymology

The word 'absentmindedly' is derived from the combination of 'absent-minded' and the adverb 'ly'. The term 'absent-minded' dates back to the early 19th century, originally meaning 'lost in thought' or 'preoccupied', and later evolving to describe someone who is forgetful or inattentive. The addition of 'ly' to form 'absentmindedly' further emphasizes the adverbial nature of the word, indicating actions done without awareness or attention.

See also: absentee, absenteeism, absently, absentminded.