absolute

Everyday

1. Absolute means total, complete, as much as possible: absolute silence. tree →
2. Certain and not changing: an absolute rule. tree →
3. (maths) The absolute value of a number is its distance from zero, always positive or zero. tree →
4. An absolute ruler has complete power. tree →
5. (informal) Used for force: an absolute disaster, an absolute legend. tree →

In the lessons

In maths: absolute value |−5| = 5; in science: absolute zero (the coldest possible temperature); in everyday talk to make a word stronger; in history: absolute monarchs.

Examples

• There was absolute silence during the test. tree →
• The absolute value of minus seven is seven. tree →
• Nothing can be colder than absolute zero. tree →
• The king had absolute power. tree →
• That party was an absolute disaster! tree →
• You're an absolute star for helping. tree →
• Safety is an absolute must on the trip. tree →

Note

Not used with «more» or «very». In maths |x| means absolute value: |−3| = 3 and |3| = 3; distances use it so they are never negative. Adverb: absolutely.

In Jewish tradition

In maths: absolute value |−5| = 5; in science: absolute zero (the coldest possible temperature); in everyday talk to make a word stronger; in history: absolute monarchs.

Examples

• The Zohar represents absolute truth, and the Sepher Jezirah provides the means by which we may seize, appropriate and make use of it." (Sefer Yetzirah, Westcott 1893) tree →
• However, this is grammatically peculiar, as immot is usually only the construct plural of אֵם em 'mother', whose absolute plural is rather אִמָּהוֹת immahot. (Sefer Yetzirah, Sefaria community translation) tree →
• 23) The ancient philosophers maintained that if God is the first cause, and He is necessarily, He, the immediate effect of Him, as an absolute unity, (Sefer Yetzirah, Kalisch 1877) tree →

Note

Not used with «more» or «very». In maths |x| means absolute value: |−3| = 3 and |3| = 3; distances use it so they are never negative. Adverb: absolutely.