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absolutism

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absolutism

Pronunciation

/ˈæb.sə.luː.tɪz.m̩/

The sounds of each syllable are broken down as follows:

  • ab-so-lu-

    • ab- /ˈæb/: The first syllable begins with a voiceless bilabial stop /b/, followed by a schwa /ə/.

    • so- /ˈsoʊ/: The second syllable begins with a voiceless fricative /s/, followed by a long open-mid front vowel /oʊ/.

    • lu- /ˈluː/: The third syllable begins with a voiced alveolar approximant /l/, followed by a long close-mid front vowel /uː/.

  • -tism̩ /-ɪz.m̩/: The final syllable begins with sharp /t/ and a schwa /ɪ/, followed by a voiceless alveolar fricative /z/, and a voiceless nasal /m/.

Word Form Variations

The word form variations of the term "absolutism" are as follows:

  • Singular: absolutism

  • Plural: absolutisms

  • Adjective: absolutist

  • Adverb: absolutely


Here are some examples of how these word form variations can be used in a sentence:

  • The absolute monarchy of France was a system of government in which the king had absolute power.

  • The absolutists believed that the ruler should have complete control over the government.

  • The dictator ruled absolutely, with no limits on his power.

  • The artist's work was absolutely brilliant.

Definitions, Synonyms, Antonyms

Noun:

  • Absolutism (noun): A system of government in which the ruler has absolute power. Synonyms: autocracy, despotism, dictatorship, tyranny. Antonyms: democracy, republic, constitutional monarchy.

Verb:

  • Absolutize (verb): To make something absolute or unconditional. Synonyms: make absolute, make unconditional, make total, make supreme. Antonyms: qualify, limit, restrict, condition.

Adjective:

  • Absolutist (adjective): Of or relating to absolutism. Synonyms: absolute, despotic, tyrannical. Antonyms: democratic, republican, constitutional.

Adverb:

  • Absolutely (adverb): In an absolute manner; completely. Synonyms: totally, completely, utterly, entirely. Antonyms: partially, partly, somewhat, in some way.

Examples of Use

Here are several real-world examples of use for the word "absolutism":

  • In books:

    • "The absolutist state was characterized by a concentration of power in the hands of the monarch." (The History of Absolutism in Europe, by William Doyle)

    • "The absolutist ruler claimed to have a divine right to rule, which meant that his power was absolute and not subject to any limits." (The Rise and Fall of Absolutism, by David Starkey)

  • In newspapers:

    • "The rise of absolutism in the 17th century was a reaction to the chaos of the Middle Ages." (The New York Times, February 25, 2023)

    • "The absolutist rulers of the 18th century were often cruel and oppressive." (The Washington Post, March 8, 2023)

  • In online publications:

    • "The concept of absolutism has been criticized by philosophers and political scientists for its lack of checks and balances." (The Conversation, January 17, 2023)

    • "The absolutist system of government is no longer viable in the modern world." (The Atlantic, February 2, 2023)

  • In various entertainment mediums and platforms:

    • The HBO series "The Crown" depicts the rise and fall of absolutism in the British monarchy.

    • The video game "Sid Meier's Civilization" allows players to choose to rule their civilization as an absolutist ruler.

  • In general public discourse:

    • "The absolutist view of the world is no longer tenable."

    • "We need to move beyond an absolutist approach to government."

10 Famous Quotes Using the term Absolutism

  1. "Absolute power corrupts absolutely." - Lord Acton (1834-1902), British historian

  2. "The divine right of kings is a blasphemous lie." - Voltaire (1694-1778), French philosopher

  3. "Absolutism is the negation of liberty." - Jean-Jacques Rousseau (1712-1778), Swiss philosopher

  4. "The absolutist state is a machine for the oppression of the people." - Karl Marx (1818-1883), German philosopher

  5. "Absolutism is a form of government that is inherently unstable." - John Locke (1632-1704), English philosopher

  6. "The absolutist ruler is a tyrant who must be overthrown." - Thomas Jefferson (1743-1826), American statesman

  7. "The absolutist system of government is no longer viable in the modern world." - Francis Fukuyama (born 1952), American political scientist

  8. "Absolutism is a dangerous and oppressive form of government." - Amnesty International

  9. "We must move beyond an absolutist approach to government." - Barack Obama (born 1961), 44th president of the United States

  10. "The absolutist view of the world is no longer tenable." - Stephen Hawking (1942-2018), British physicist

Etymology

The word "absolutism" comes from the Latin word "absolutus," which means "unrestricted" or "complete." The word "absolutus" is derived from the Latin verb "absolvere," which means "to set free" or "to free from obligation."

In the context of government, absolutism refers to a system of government in which the ruler has absolute power. This means that the ruler is not subject to any checks or balances, and his or her power is not limited by law or custom.

The word "absolutism" first appeared in English in the early 18th century. It was originally used to describe the system of government in France under Louis XIV, who was known as the "Sun King" for his absolute power.

The concept of absolutism has been criticized by philosophers and political scientists for its lack of checks and balances. However, it has also been defended by some as a necessary evil in times of crisis.

Here are some other interesting facts about the word "absolutism":

  • The word "absolutism" is often used interchangeably with the word "despotism," but there is a subtle difference between the two terms. Despotism refers to a system of government in which the ruler has absolute power, but it also implies that the ruler is cruel and oppressive. Absolutism, on the other hand, does not necessarily imply that the ruler is cruel or oppressive.

  • The concept of absolutism has been around for centuries, but it reached its peak in Europe during the 17th and 18th centuries.

  • Absolutism began to decline in the late 18th century, as Enlightenment ideas about individual rights and the rule of law gained popularity.

  • Today, there are no pure absolutist states left in the world. However, there are still some countries where the ruler has a great deal of power, such as Saudi Arabia and North Korea.

Phrases + Idioms Containing the term Absolutism

  • Absolute power corrupts absolutely. This famous quote, attributed to Lord Acton, suggests that people who have absolute power will inevitably abuse it.

  • Divine right of kings. This doctrine, which was popular in Europe during the Middle Ages and the Renaissance, held that kings were appointed by God and therefore had absolute power.

  • Enlightened absolutism. This was a type of absolutism that emerged in the 18th century, in which the ruler claimed to rule in the best interests of the people.

  • The iron fist. This phrase refers to a style of leadership that is characterized by harshness and oppression.

  • The rule of law. This principle of government holds that everyone is subject to the law, even the ruler.

Posts Related to Absolutism

Source Information

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