WordGarden.ioabsolute
B1Pronunciation
UK
- /ˈæbsəlˌuːt/
US
- /ˈæbsəˌlut/
Meanings
Adjective
total, complete, or unqualified
having complete power and not limited by law or constitution
measured as fixed or independent rather than relative to something else
Noun
the ultimate reality or self-sufficient principle in philosophy or theology
Beyond the definition
"Absolute" describes something that's total, complete, and without any limits or exceptions. Think of absolute darkness – not just dim, but completely dark. Or absolute silence – no sound at all. It's a powerful word suggesting finality and certainty. In everyday speech, it can also act as an intensifier: an absolute mess, an absolute delight. You might say someone has "absolute faith" in a friend, meaning they trust them completely. In math, "absolute value" refers to the distance from zero; the result is never negative! In political or historical writing, the phrase "power tends to corrupt and absolute power corrupts absolutely," often attributed to Lord Acton, warns that unlimited authority tends to lead to abuse.
The word "absolute" signifies something complete in itself, lacking any qualification or exception. It implies a state of totality, perfection, or unwavering certainty. It's more than just "very"; it's all.
You might encounter "absolute" in several contexts. In science, "absolute zero" is the lowest possible temperature (0 K) – a theoretical lower limit where thermal motion is as low as it can be. Philosophically, "absolute truth" refers to something universally and undeniably true, regardless of perspective. Historically, absolute monarchs held unlimited power over their kingdoms – they weren't bound by laws or constitutions.
In technical contexts, "absolute" often contrasts with "relative." An absolute measurement, position, or time is given independently (not defined by comparison to something else), while a relative one depends on a reference point.
"Absolute" can also describe intensity. An "absolute necessity" is something you must have; there's no substitute. "Absolute confidence" means unwavering belief.
However, be careful! While it sounds strong and definitive, using "absolute" too often can sometimes come across as dogmatic or inflexible. It's a word that demands precision – truly absolute things are rare in a world full of nuance. So, when you use "absolute," make sure you really mean completely and without exception.
Examples
- 1
Complete silence
The room fell into absolute silence when she walked in.
- 2
Confidence
She has absolute confidence in her team.
- 3
Guarantee
There is no absolute guarantee that the treatment will work.
- 4
Beginners
This course is designed for absolute beginners.
- Phraseabsolute beginner
someone with no previous knowledge or experience
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Certainty
With absolute certainty, we can say the fire started in the kitchen.
- Phrasewith absolute certainty
with complete confidence
- 6
Actual totals
In absolute terms, the company made more money this year than last year.
- Phrasein absolute terms
using the actual total, not a comparison such as a percentage
- 7
Political power
After the war, the king ruled with absolute power.
- 8
Informal emphasis
That hotel was an absolute nightmare.
See also
Similar
Shades of meaning
Contrast
Used with (collocations)
- absolute certainty
- absolute power
- absolute silence
- absolute minimum
Word family
- absolutely
- absoluteness
Explore
Forms and spellings
2 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- absolutenounadjective
Forms
- absolutespluralnounadjective