Absently

adv. [f. ABSENT a. + -LY².] In an absent manner; with absence of mind.

1873.  Black, Pr. of Thule, xxii. 369. Absently thinking of all the strange possibilities now opening before him.

1881.  W. Collins, Black Robe, I. viii. 240. Romayne looked up and answered absently, ‘I don’t know yet.’