absolutely still

USAGE SUMMARY

"absolutely still" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is typically used to describe a state of complete and total stillness. This phrase can be used in various contexts, such as describing a person, object, or environment that is completely motionless or quiet. Example: The forest was absolutely still, not even the leaves rustled in the gentle breeze.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Any sculptor would have envied Ms. Shivalingappa's held positions: torqued, asymmetrical compositions of absolute clarity, absolutely still yet implying motion and energy.

The New York Times - Arts

Stand absolutely still".

The New Yorker

We stood absolutely still.

The New Yorker

It was standing absolutely still.

The New Yorker

B asks, keeping absolutely still.

The New Yorker

The way the bull had stood absolutely still.

The New Yorker

"It is absolutely still his play," he said.

The New York Times

I tried to be absolutely still and hold my breath.

Independent

"Self-publishing is absolutely still booming," he said.

The Guardian - Books

I saw one solid figure standing absolutely still.

The New York Times

He sat absolutely still, his eyes wide open.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "absolutely still" to create a vivid image of stillness, whether describing a person holding their breath, a tranquil landscape, or an object at rest. Ensure the context supports the emphasis on complete lack of movement.

Common error

Avoid using "absolutely still" when describing situations that are inherently dynamic or expected to change quickly. It's more fitting for scenarios where stillness is noteworthy or intentional, not for describing the normal state of a moving object.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "absolutely still" functions primarily as an adverbial modifier, intensifying the adjective "still". It describes the manner in which something is not moving. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and widespread use.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

74%

Science

14%

Wiki

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

1%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "absolutely still" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression to convey a state of complete immobility. As noted by Ludwig AI, it is correct and widely found in various contexts. Its function is adverbial, modifying adjectives to emphasize stillness. Predominantly found in News & Media, Science, and Wiki sources, the phrase serves to paint a vivid picture of complete lack of motion, suitable for neutral to formal registers. When writing, ensure that this phrase is used in contexts where emphasizing total stillness is appropriate and avoid it in descriptions where movement is inherent.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

completely motionless

Emphasizes the lack of movement.

perfectly still

Highlights the ideal state of stillness.

absolutely immobile

Similar to "completely motionless", but uses a more formal term.

utterly unmoving

Stresses the total absence of movement.

entirely static

Focuses on the unchanging nature of the subject.

dead still

Suggests a stillness akin to death, emphasizing complete lack of motion.

stone still

Compares stillness to the immobility of a stone.

stock still

Implies an abrupt cessation of movement, like a startled animal.

motionless as a statue

Uses a simile to emphasize the lack of movement.

without a flicker

Focuses on the absence of even the slightest movement.

FAQs

How can I use "absolutely still" in a sentence?

You can use "absolutely still" to describe something that is not moving at all. For example, "The cat sat "perfectly still", watching the mouse hole".

What's the difference between "absolutely still" and "completely still"?

While both phrases convey a lack of movement, "absolutely still" emphasizes the totality of the stillness, leaving no room for even minor movements, versus "completely still" which can also imply total stillness, but the absolutely adds more power.

What can I say instead of "absolutely still"?

You can use alternatives like ""perfectly still"", "completely motionless", or "utterly unmoving" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it ever incorrect to use "absolutely still"?

It's generally correct, but avoid using it in contexts where movement is expected or inherent. For instance, describing a running river as "absolutely still" would be contradictory.