Vocabulary Spotlight

Absolute

Part of Speech: Adjective

Definition: Not limited by restrictions or conditions; total, complete, or perfect.

“Her trust in him was absolute, without any doubts or reservations.”

Pronunciation

[AB-suh-loot]

Synonyms, Antonyms & Related Words

Synonyms

Complete
Total
Definite
Perfect
Unconditional

Antonyms

Partial
Limited
Conditional
Incomplete
Qualified

Related Words

Absolutely (adverb)
Absoluteness (noun)

Word Origin

“Absolute” comes from the Latin “absolutus,” meaning “completed” or “perfected,” derived from “absolvere” which means “to set free or complete.”

Word Family

Adverb: Absolutely – Completely, without limits.

Noun: Absoluteness – The quality of being complete or total.

Mnemonics

A Black Star Or Light, Ultimate Truth Endures

This mnemonic emphasizes that something absolute is perfect or unchanging.

Industry-specific Usage

Philosophy

In philosophy, absolute truth refers to ideas or principles that are universally valid.

Mathematics

Absolute values in mathematics refer to the magnitude of a number without regard to its sign.

Law

In law, absolute rights are rights that are not subject to any limitations.

In Context

The term “absolute” is used in various contexts to describe things that are complete, perfect, or without any limitations or conditions. It can refer to values, beliefs, and even measurements.

Vocabulary Challenges

1. Which word is closest in meaning to “absolute”?

Complete
Partial
Conditional
Qualified

“Complete” is correct, as it represents the total or entire meaning of “absolute.”

2. Fill in the blank: Her love for her children was _______; she would do anything for them.

conditional
qualified
partial
absolute

“Absolute” is correct, meaning her love was total and complete.

3. In which context might “absolute” be appropriate?

Describing something conditional
Describing something perfect or complete
Describing something partial
Describing something incomplete

“Describing something perfect or complete” is correct, as it captures the meaning of “absolute.”