Words / B1

ABS-uh-loot/ˈæbsəluːt/

Call a ban, rule, or majority absolute when nothing is left out and no exception is allowed: an absolute majority; absolute silence; an absolute ban. Complete and total are everyday twins; utter is stronger and more literary. Absolute is the adjective; absolutely is the adverb you use before a verb or another adjective (absolutely sure). Do not write “absolutely ban” when you mean the noun phrase an absolute ban. In news English, absolute power and absolute certainty are typical collocations.

Meaning

Complete and total; not limited in any way.

Examples

• “There is an absolute ban on phones in the exam.”
• “The council voted for an absolute majority on the housing plan.”
• “She demanded absolute silence while the exam papers were given out.”

Good to know

an absolute ban / majority / silence. Adjective, not the adverb absolutely. Everyday twins: complete / total.

Near in meaning

complete, total

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