Oxford Advanced American Dictionary

Definition of absolute adjective from the Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary

Oxford3000

absolute

adjective
absolute pronunciation English ˈæbsəluːt absolute pronunciation American ˈæbsəluːt
 
1 total and completea class for absolute beginnersabsolute confidence/trust/silence/truth‘You're wrong,’ she said with absolute certainty.Around them the darkness was absolute, the silence oppressive.2 [only before noun] used, especially in spoken English, to give emphasis to what you are sayingThere's absolute rubbish on television tonight.He must earn an absolute fortune.110 MB is the absolute minimum you need to run the program.What an absolute idiot I've been!3 definite and without any doubt or confusionThere was no absolute proof.He taught us that the laws of physics were absolute.The divorce became absolute last week. see also decree absolute4 not limited or restrictedabsolute power/authorityan absolute ruler/monarchy (= one with no limit to their power)5 existing or measured independently and not in relation to something elseAlthough prices are falling in absolute terms, energy is still expensive.Beauty cannot be measured by any absolute standard. compare relative