Absolute Meaning and Definition
Absolute
Pronunciation
/ˈæbsəluːt/
Part of Speech
Adjective
Definition
Complete or total in quality, amount, or degree; unrestricted or unconditional.
Examples
- The absolute power of the monarch was limited by the constitution.
- Absolute silence fell over the audience during the performance.
Synonyms
- Complete
- Total
- Unconditional
Antonyms
- Relative
- Partial
- Conditional
Additional Information
Absolute can be used to describe a quality or state that is complete or total, without any limitations or restrictions. It can also be used to describe something that is unconditional or unrestricted. In mathematics, an absolute value is a number’s distance from zero, without considering its sign.
In philosophy, absolute can refer to a concept that is considered to be universally true or applicable, regardless of context or perspective. Absolute can also be used to describe a moral or ethical principle that is considered to be unchanging and universal.
Etymology
The word “absolute” comes from the Latin “absolutus,” which means “loosened” or “set free.” It has been used in the English language since the 15th century to describe something that is complete or total.
Usage Notes
Absolute is often used to emphasize the completeness or totality of something. For example, “I have absolute confidence in her abilities” or “The absolute truth is that he lied.”
Cultural References
Absolute has been used in various cultural contexts to describe concepts or ideas that are considered to be universal or unconditional. For example, the concept of “absolute truth” is a central idea in many philosophical and religious traditions.
Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases
- Absolute zero
- Absolute majority
Related Words or Phrases
- Relative
- Total
- Unconditional
Collocations
- absolute power
- absolute truth
- absolute silence
Frequency of Use
Absolute is a fairly common word in modern language, with a frequency of use of around 0.05% in written English.
Common Misspellings
- Absoulte
- Absalute
- Absolutee