Collins COBUILD Advanced Learner's English Dictionary - absolute

(absolutes) Frequency: The word is one of the 3000 most common words in English. 1. Absolute means total and complete. It’s not really suited to absolute beginners... A sick person needs absolute confidence and trust in a doctor. = complete ADJ: usu ADJ n 2. You use absolute to emphasize something that you are saying. About 12 inches wide is the absolute minimum you should consider... I think it’s absolute nonsense. = complete ADJ: ADJ n c darkgreen]emphasis 3. An absolute ruler has complete power and authority over his or her country. He ruled with absolute power. ADJ: ADJ n 4. Absolute is used to say that something is definite and will not change even if circumstances change. They had given an absolute assurance that it would be kept secret. ADJ: usu ADJ n 5. An amount that is expressed in absolute terms is expressed as a fixed amount rather than referring to variable factors such as what you earn or the effects of inflation. In absolute terms British wages remain low by European standards. ? real ADJ: ADJ n 6. Absolute rules and principles are believed to be true, right, or relevant in all situations. There are no absolute rules. ? relative ADJ: usu ADJ n 7. An absolute is a rule or principle that is believed to be true, right, or relevant in all situations. N-COUNT 8. see also decree absolute