absolutely

The word "absolutely" weakens prose by hedging certainty. It suggests that the narrator lacks confidence in the assertion being made. This uncertainty can diffuse the impact of a strong statement. In most cases, deleting "absolutely" not only tightens the prose but also allows the underlying meaning to stand on its own. Before: She was absolutely furious at the betrayal. After: She was furious at the betrayal. Before: He absolutely believed in the cause. After: He believed in the cause. Before: The plan was absolutely foolproof. After: The plan was foolproof. In dialogue, "absolutely" can have merit, particularly when a character’s certainty is being emphasized or when it reflects their personality. For instance, a character who is enthusiastic or assertive might say, "I absolutely love this band!" Here, the word enhances their voice rather than dilutes it. As you revise, ask yourself: If you remove "absolutely" and the sentence retains its meaning and strength, then the word is likely clutter.