absolute
Definitions
Complete, total, and without limit or qualification
绝对的，完全的，无限制的
Not relative or comparative; existing independently of anything else
非相对的，独立存在的
(of power or rule) unrestricted by laws or other authority
（权力、统治）不受制约的，专制的
A value or principle regarded as universal and not dependent on anything else
绝对的事物；绝对原则
Root Breakdown
Root-derivedLatin absolūtus = ab- (away from) + solūtum (loosened, the past participle of solvere) = 'loosened away from everything.' Something attached to nothing and conditioned by nothing is, by definition, complete in itself — total, unlimited, unconditional. This is exactly why 'absolute' is the opposite of 'relative.'
Root solv still carries 42 more wordsWhy It Means This
The biggest leap in the solv family. 'Loosened away from everything' (ab- + solūtum) meant unattached, depending on nothing — and that is the same as 'not relative.' Absolute power answers to nothing; absolute zero has nothing beneath it; an absolute truth holds regardless of viewpoint. The Latin 'loosening' is buried but explains why absolute always means free of all conditions.
Common Collocations
- 1.absolute power绝对权力
- 2.absolute zero绝对零度
Example Sentences
- 1.
The monarch once held absolute power over the entire kingdom.
- 2.
There is no absolute right answer; it depends on the context.
- 3.
Absolute zero is the lowest temperature theoretically possible.
- 4.
I have absolute confidence in her ability to lead.
Easily Confused
absolute vs complete vs total — All mean 'whole,' but absolute stresses not relative / no conditions (absolute power, absolute truth), complete stresses nothing missing (a complete set), total stresses the full amount (total cost). You can have a complete collection but not 'an absolute collection.'