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absolute

[ ab-suh-loot, ab-suh-loot ]
/ ˈæb səˌlut, ˌæb səˈlut /
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See synonyms for: absolute / absolutes / absoluteness on Thesaurus.com

adjective
noun
something that is not dependent upon external conditions for existence or for its specific nature, size, etc. (opposed to relative).
the absolute,
  1. something that is free from any restriction or condition.
  2. something that is independent of some or all relations.
  3. something that is perfect or complete.
  4. (in Hegelianism) the world process operating in accordance with the absolute idea.
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Origin of absolute

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English, from Latin absolūtus “free, unrestricted, unconditioned” (past participle of absolvere “to absolve”), equivalent to ab- ab- + solū- “loosen” + -tus past participle suffix

synonym study for absolute

4. Absolute, unqualified, utter all mean unmodified. Absolute implies an unquestionable finality: an absolute coward. Unqualified means without reservations or conditions: an unqualified success. Utter expresses totality or entirety: an utter failure.

OTHER WORDS FROM absolute

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use absolute in a sentence

British Dictionary definitions for absolute (1 of 2)

absolute
/ (ˈæbsəˌluːt) /

adjective
noun
something that is absolute

Word Origin for absolute

C14: from Latin absolūtus unconditional, freed from, from absolvere. See absolve

British Dictionary definitions for absolute (2 of 2)

Absolute
/ (ˈæbsəˌluːt) /

noun (sometimes not capital)
philosophy
  1. the ultimate basis of reality
  2. that which is totally unconditioned, unrestricted, pure, perfect, or complete
(in the philosophy of Hegel) that towards which all things evolve dialectically
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
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