absolute
absolute
ab·so·lute
/ˈæbsəˌluːt/ adj
1 always used before a noun : complete and total
You can't predict the future with absolute certainty.
I have absolute faith/confidence in her ability to get the job done.
He swore an oath of absolute secrecy.
When it comes to using computers, I'm an absolute beginner.
— often used informally to make a statement more forceful
I swear that what I'm telling you is the absolute truth.
He was an absolute disgrace to his family.
That's absolute nonsense/rubbish!
(US) That restaurant serves the absolute best Mexican food I've ever eaten. [=that restaurant serves absolutely the best Mexican food I've ever eaten]
— sometimes used with the most
That's the most absolute nonsense/rubbish I ever heard!
2 a : not limited in any way
a ruler with absolute power = a ruler whose power is absolute
absolute authority
2 b : having unlimited power
The country is ruled by an absolute dictator/monarch.
2 c : ruled by someone with unlimited power
The country is an absolute monarchy.
3 : not allowing any doubt
He says that he has absolute [=certain] proof that his client is innocent.
4 a : never changing : always true or real
You have the absolute right to remain silent.
an absolute requirement = a requirement that is absolute
absolute [=unqualified] freedom
4 b : not depending on or compared with anything else
The company has grown in absolute terms, but its share of the market is actually less than it was a few years ago.
ab·so·lute·ness noun [ noncount ]
the absoluteness of the king's power
the absoluteness of his certainty
