absently.

Without giving full attention, because the mind is occupied with something else.

Use it for

Words that belong together

• nod absently
• trace absently

On the page

She traced the rim of the cup absently while he explained.

Usage notes

Primary category: literary / elevated general. Forms: Invariable adverb. Legacy lexical fields mirror sense 1 only. Use numbered sense fields for all meanings. Established modern English lexical item. No separate regional spelling or grammatical inflection entry. Writing functions: character, description. Commonness: moderately common.