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absolute

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absolute

Pronunciation

Here's the IPA phonetic spelling for "absolute" with a breakdown of the sounds in each syllable:

  • IPA: /ˈæbsəˌluːt/ (This is the most common pronunciation in American English)

Breakdown by Syllable:

  • First syllable (ab):

    • /ˈæ/: The vowel sound is similar to the "a" in "cat" but shorter.

    • /b/: The voiced bilabial plosive consonant, similar to the "b" sound in "boy".

  • Second syllable (so):

    • /sə/: The schwa sound, a short, central vowel sound.

  • Third syllable (lute):

    • /l/: The voiced alveolar fricative consonant, similar to the "l" sound in "lip".

    • /uː/: The long "oo" sound as in "boot".

    • /t/: The voiceless alveolar plosive consonant, similar to the "t" sound in "stop".

Word Form Variations

"Absolute" itself doesn't have any variations based on singular or plural. It functions as both a singular adjective (e.g., "absolute power") and can be used alone as a noun (e.g., "In philosophical terms, the absolute is the ultimate reality").

However, there are some related terms derived from "absolute":

  • Adverb: Absolutely (e.g., "I absolutely agree")

  • Noun: Absoluteness (emphasises the quality of being absolute)

  • Verb: Absolutize (to make something absolute)

Definitions, Synonyms, Antonyms

1. Adjective:

  • Definition: Unqualified in amount, degree, or extent; complete; total.

  • Synonyms: complete, utter, entire, perfect, downright, unrestricted, unlimited

  • Antonyms: relative, limited, partial, incomplete, conditional

  • Example: There was absolute silence in the library.

2. Noun:

  • Definition 1: A fundamental principle or truth that is considered to be unchanging. (Often used in philosophical contexts)

  • Synonyms: ultimate reality, first principle, ground of being

  • Antonyms: relative concept, subjective experience

  • Example: Some philosophers seek to understand the absolute.

  • Definition 2: Something that is complete or perfect.

  • Synonyms: perfection, ideal, epitome

  • Antonyms: imperfection, flaw, blemish

  • Example: Winning the gold medal was the absolute for the athlete.

3. Adverb: (derived from the adjective)

  • Definition: Used to emphasise the truth or certainty of something.

  • Synonyms: completely, utterly, totally, entirely, definitively

  • Antonyms: relatively, somewhat, partially

  • Example: I absolutely loved that movie!

Examples of Use

1. Literature:

  • "It was the best of times, it was the worst of times, it was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness, it was the epoch of belief, it was the epoch of incredulity, it was the season of Light, it was the season of Darkness, it was the spring of hope, it was the winter of despair, we had everything before us, we had nothing before us, we were all going direct to Heaven, we were all going direct the other way – in short, the period was so far like the present period, that some of its noisiest authorities insisted on its being received, for good or for evil, in the superlative degree of comparison only." (Charles Dickens, A Tale of Two Cities - Demonstrates "absolute" used for emphasis)

2. Newspapers:

  • "The war in Ukraine has caused absolute devastation in the eastern part of the country." (The New York Times, April 2023) - "Absolute" signifies the complete and severe nature of the devastation.

3. Online Publications:

  • "For an absolute beginner's guide to coding, check out these five resources!" (Tech website) - "Absolute" clarifies the level of knowledge needed for the guide.

4. Entertainment Media:

  • Movie: "With great power comes absolute responsibility." (Uncle Ben in Spiderman) - "Absolute" emphasises the complete and unavoidable nature of the responsibility.

  • TV Show: "The judge demanded absolute silence in the courtroom." - "Absolute" highlights the complete lack of noise permitted.

5. Public Discourse:

  • "The company has a no-tolerance policy for absolute cruelty towards animals." (Animal rights activist) - "Absolute" underlines the severity and unacceptability of any cruelty.

  • "He gave me absolute confidence in his abilities." (Colleague praising another) - "Absolute" emphasises the complete and unwavering trust.

10 Famous Quotes Using the term Absolute

  1. "Power tends to corrupt, and absolute power corrupts absolutely." - Lord Acton (Famous quote highlighting the corrupting influence of unchecked power)

  2. "There is no despair so absolute as that which comes with the first moments of our first great sorrow." - Mary Shelley (Quote about the intensity of initial grief)

  3. "The day of the absolute is over, and we're in for the strange gods once more." - H. P. Lovecraft (Quote from a horror author suggesting a shift away from definitive truths)

  4. "One must strain off what was personal and accidental in all these impressions and so reach the pure fluid, the essential oil of truth." - Virginia Woolf (Quote about seeking absolute truth)

  5. "We cannot possibly let ourselves get frozen into regarding everyone we do not know as an absolute stranger." - Etty Hillesum (Quote about the importance of connection)

  6. "Outstanding people have one thing in common: An absolute sense of mission." - John D. Rockefeller (Quote about the importance of purpose)

  7. "The essence of religion consists in the feeling of an absolute dependence." - Erich Fromm (Quote about the role of dependence in religious belief)

  8. "Absolute silence leads to sadness." - Henri Matisse (Quote about the importance of stimulation and expression)

  9. "I began revolution with 82 men. If I had to do it again, I would do it with 10 or 15 and absolute faith." - Fidel Castro (Quote about the power of belief)

  10. "Our heavenly Father understands our disappointment, suffering, pain, fear, and doubt. He is always there to encourage our hearts and help us understand that he is sufficient for all our needs." (Quote often attributed to Christian sermons, emphasises God's absolute power to help)

Etymology

The word "absolute" comes from the Latin language, specifically the word "absolutus." "Absolutus" means "freed, loosened, or completed." It's like taking something tied up and untying it completely.

The first time we see "absolute" used in English (around 1400) it meant "unrestricted" or "free from limitations." Think of it like having absolute freedom, where nothing holds you back. Over time, the meaning expanded to include things being "complete" or "perfect," like an absolute win with no room for improvement.

Phrases + Idioms Containing the term Absolute

  • Absolute certainty: Having complete and unwavering confidence in something being true.

  • Absolute power corrupts absolutely: Power, especially unchecked power, can lead to corruption.

  • Absolute zero: The coldest possible temperature, theoretically achievable but not yet reached.

  • Go absolutely ballistic: To become extremely angry or lose control of your emotions. (Informal)

  • In absolute terms: Considering something as a whole, without looking at specific details.

  • An absolute beginner: Someone with no prior knowledge or experience in a particular subject.

  • An absolute mess: Something completely disorganised, chaotic, or untidy. (Informal)

  • An absolute gem: A person or thing that is highly valuable or enjoyable. (Informal)

  • An absolute steal: Getting something for a very low price, a bargain. (Informal)

  • Be in absolute awe: To be filled with wonder and amazement.

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Source Information

Definition of absolute from The Academic Glossary at Self Exploration Academy, a Urikville Press Publication. © All rights reserved.