Absolute
/ˈæbsəluːt/
adjectiveIntermediate📊CommonQuality
1 meaning1 question
Definitions
1
Complete, total, or perfect; without any limitation or qualification.
/ˈæbsəluːt/
adjectiveneutralIntermediate
Quality
Complete, total, entire
The evidence was absolute, leaving no doubt.
💡 Simply: Something that is completely real or true.
More Examples
2
He feels an absolute sense of peace.
3
This dress is absolutely stunning!
How It's Used
Mathematics
"The value of x is the absolute maximum of the function."
General Usage
"She has an absolute conviction that she is right."
From Latin *absolūt*, from *absolvere* "to loose, set free". Originally meaning "completely free", the term evolved to signify "without limit or qualification".
In Old English, the closest equivalent to "absolute" was "fullest" or "perfect". Over time, the meaning shifted to encompass a greater sense of finality and impeccability.
Memory tip
Think of *absol* like absolute power - it leaves no room for anything else.
Word Origin
Original meaning
"to loose, set free"
Base: absolute
absolute certaintyabsolute powerabsolute valueabsolute beginner
Common misspellings
absoulteabsoluteyabosolute
Practice
Usage
10%Spoken
90%Written