absentmindedly

Examples

• All

• Bruce taps his fingers absentmindedly as he watches her read.

  Fiction book (1995)

• Leaphorn got up and peered absentmindedly out into the parking lot.

  Fiction book (1993)

• Then, before he can give them the bag of food, the guys absentmindedly drive off.

  Fiction book (1994)

• The meals which he formerly forgot or ate absentmindedly now claimed his attention.

  Fiction book (1996)

• The man walked slowly, almost absentmindedly, along the passage beside the wall.

  Fiction book (1993)

• There was Rachel, standing alone near the serving window, absentmindedly sorting through some checks.

  Fiction book (1992)

• "What?" asked Mrs. Patterson absentmindedly as she searched for the syrup.

  Fiction book (1993)

• Arthur freed his hand and wiped the back of it absentmindedly on his tunic.

  Fiction book (1991)

• The corners of her lips quivered as she stared absentmindedly at the tabletop.

  Fiction book (1992)

• Her leg itched, and she scratched the large red insect bite on her calf absentmindedly.

  Fiction book (1995)

Synonyms

A

absently

vsabsentmindedly

20 4.6

In a distracted way, as if your mind is somewhere else

is specifically from being mentally elsewhere due to preoccupation

M

mindlessly

vsabsentmindedly

11 5.8

Without thinking or paying attention

is lack of attention because of preoccupation, not complete absence of thought

D

distractedly

vsabsentmindedly

4 5.1

Not giving full attention because the mind is elsewhere

is a lack of attention caused by preoccupation rather than external noise

V

vacantly

vsabsentmindedly

3 4.8

In a blank way that shows no interest or thought

is due to being mentally elsewhere and preoccupied, not emptiness

O

obliviously

vsabsentmindedly

1 6.5

Not noticing what happens around you

is inattentive due to inner preoccupation rather than pure unawareness

A

abstractedly

vsabsentmindedly

1 7.7

In a way that shows a person is lost in thought and not paying attention

is mind wandering because of preoccupation rather than simple distraction

F

forgetfully

vsabsentmindedly

1 3.2

In a way that shows you do not remember

is lack of attention from preoccupation rather than only failing memory

I

inattentively

vsabsentmindedly

6.5

In a way that shows no attention to what is happening

is caused by being preoccupied rather than mere carelessness

U

unmindfully

vsabsentmindedly

7.3

In a careless way without thinking

is about being absent because of preoccupation, not mere carelessness

How Attentive

inattentively

6.5

absentmindedly

4 6.4

distractedly

4 5.1

Surface Forms

Morphology

Etymology