How to Sign "Absolutely"

To sign *absolutely*, start with both hands in 'Y' handshapes in front of your chest. Your palms should be facing down, with your thumbs pointing toward each other and your pinkies pointing outward. Bring both hands downward firmly in a single, decisive motion. The sharp movement emphasizes your certainty.

Examples Using "Absolutely" in a Sentence

1

I absolutely agree with you.

Sign 'I', 'agree', and 'you', then use the firm 'absolutely' sign while nodding to show your strong agreement.

2

Are you absolutely sure?

Point to the person, sign 'sure', and then sign 'absolutely' while raising your eyebrows and leaning forward to ask a question.

3

We absolutely must leave.

Sign 'we', 'must', and 'leave', followed by the firm 'absolutely' sign to emphasize the urgency of the situation.

How to Sign "Absolutely"
To sign *absolutely*, start with both hands in 'Y' handshapes in front of your chest. Your palms should be facing down, with your thumbs pointing toward each other and your pinkies pointing outward. Bring both hands downward firmly in a single, decisive motion. The sharp movement emphasizes your certainty.
Visual Logic(Etymology)
This sign shares its roots with the ASL sign for 'now'. By executing the downward motion with a single, sharp, and firm drop, it visually 'plants' the concept in place. This firm grounding conveys a sense of finality, immediacy, and absolute certainty, much like putting your foot down to finalize a decision.
Signing Tips
The key to this sign is the single, firm downward movement. Unlike similar signs that use repeated or shaking motions, 'absolutely' requires one sharp, decisive drop to convey certainty. Pair this with a confident nod and a serious facial expression to match the intensity of the word.
Common Mistakes
A common mistake is bouncing the hands up and down multiple times, which can make the sign look like 'today'. Another error is shaking the 'Y' hands, which is the sign for 'play'. To clearly mean 'absolutely', ensure you use only one sharp, firm downward motion.
Regional Variations
This sign is widely used and understood across the ASL community with minimal regional variation.
Examples Using "Absolutely" in a Sentence
1

I absolutely agree with you.

Sign 'I', 'agree', and 'you', then use the firm 'absolutely' sign while nodding to show your strong agreement.

2

Are you absolutely sure?

Point to the person, sign 'sure', and then sign 'absolutely' while raising your eyebrows and leaning forward to ask a question.

3

We absolutely must leave.

Sign 'we', 'must', and 'leave', followed by the firm 'absolutely' sign to emphasize the urgency of the situation.

Frequently Asked Questions
Why does this look like the sign for 'now'?

The sign for 'absolutely' uses the same 'Y' handshapes and downward motion as 'now'. However, when meaning 'absolutely' or 'that's it', the movement is typically a single, very firm, and decisive drop to emphasize certainty.

Can I use this sign to mean 'definitely'?

Yes! This sign is often used to express 'definitely', 'that's it', or 'right now'. The firm downward motion makes it a great way to show strong agreement or absolute certainty in a conversation.

Does my facial expression matter for this sign?

Yes, facial expressions are crucial in ASL! Your expression should match the intensity of the word. A firm nod and a confident, serious expression will help convey that you are absolutely certain about what you are signing.

ASL is a beautiful, expressive language. Practice regularly and have fun!