absolute

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♦ ab|so|lute /'æbsəluːt/ (absolutes)
1 [ADJ] usu ADJ n
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
2 [ADJ] ADJ n
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
3 [ADJ] ADJ n
An absolute ruler has complete power and authority over his or her country.
He ruled with absolute power.
4 [ADJ] usu ADJ n
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.
5 [ADJ] ADJ n
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
6 [ADJ] usu ADJ n
Absolute rules and principles are believed to be true, right, or relevant in all situations.
There are no absolute rules.
≠ relative
7 [N-COUNT]
An absolute is a rule or principle that is believed to be true, right, or relevant in all situations.
8
see also decree absoluteab|so|lute ma|jor|ity (absolute majorities)
[N-COUNT] usu sing
If a political party wins an absolute majority, they obtain more seats or votes than the total number of seats or votes gained by their opponents in an election.ab|so|lute zero
[N-UNCOUNT]
Absolute zero is a theoretical temperature that is thought to be the lowest possible temperature.de|cree ab|so|lute (decrees absolute)
[N-COUNT] usu sing
A decree absolute is the final order made by a court in a divorce case which ends a marriage completely.

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