Word
absolutism
Phoneticsab·so·lutism
US/ˈæbsəˌɫuˌtɪzəm/
UK/ˈæbsəlˌuːtɪzəm/
Uncountable noun
Definition
n. a system where one person or group has total power and no limits on their authority. It is often used to describe a king or a leader who rules without any laws or rules.
n. a political system in which a ruler or group holds total power and is not subject to any legal or constitutional constraints. Often associated with the historical period of monarchical rule in Europe.
Examples
“The king's absolutism led to many protests.”
“Historians often debate whether the rise of absolutism was a natural evolution or a reaction to the chaos of the previous century.”
“The philosopher argued that true absolutism requires a complete absence of dissent, as even a single voice questioning the sovereign's authority could destabilize the entire social order.”
Examples
simple
“The king's absolutism led to many protests.”
contextual
“Historians often debate whether the rise of absolutism was a natural evolution or a reaction to the chaos of the previous century.”
complex
“The philosopher argued that true absolutism requires a complete absence of dissent, as even a single voice questioning the sovereign's authority could destabilize the entire social order.”
Real-World Examples
“I question her absolutism, her Manichaean view of the world, but I admire her courage.” Etymology
First attested in 1753 (in the theological sense); attested in 1830 in the political sense. From absolute + -ism, based after French absolutisme.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
NOUN
ADJECTIVE
Related words
Domains
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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