Absolute

Part of Speech

Adjective, Noun

Pronunciation

/ˈæb.sə.luːt/ (AB-suh-loot)

Definitions

• 1. (Adjective) Not qualified or diminished in any way; total, complete.
• 2. (Adjective) Not subject to conditions or limitations; unrestricted.
• 3. (Noun) A concept, idea, or quality that is universally true or perfect, independent of conditions or context.
• 4. (Noun) A philosophical or metaphysical principle that exists independently of anything else.

Usage Examples

• "She gave an absolute promise to help, no matter the circumstances."
• "The absolute truth is often difficult to define in human terms."
• "In philosophy, some argue that absolute morality exists outside of human perception."
• "The monarch's rule was absolute, with no checks on their power."

Etymology

From Latin "absolutus," meaning "unrestricted, complete," from the verb "absolvere" (to set free, to complete), formed from "ab-" (away from) and "solvere" (to loosen, free). The word "absolute" was first used in English in the late 14th century in the context of freedom or independence, and later extended to refer to total or unqualified conditions.

Synonyms

• Unqualified
• Complete
• Total
• Unconditional
• Unequivocal

Antonyms

• Conditional
• Partial
• Limited
• Relative
• Uncertain

Translations

Regional Pronunciation Variations

In English, "absolute" is generally pronounced as /ˈæb.sə.luːt/ in standard American and British accents. In some regional accents, especially in non-native English speakers, the "t" sound may be softened or pronounced as a glottal stop. Additionally, in some dialects of English, the word may be stressed differently, with the emphasis placed on the first or second syllable.