In an absent-minded way; without paying attention or being mentally present even though physically present.
From absent (adjective, Latin absentem) + -ly (adverb suffix). Originally meant simply 'in a state of absence,' but evolved to mean 'inattentively' or 'with mind elsewhere.'
Neuroscience shows that when we do things 'absently'—like brushing our teeth or driving home—our brains switch to 'default mode,' which is actually when we do our best creative thinking and mind-wandering.
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