noun

absolutist

AB-suh-loo-tist

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Absolutist (noun) means a person who supports absolute or autocratic government. Example: “The pamphlet was written by an absolutist who wanted the king to rule unchecked.”

noun

A person who supports absolute or autocratic government.

"The pamphlet was written by an absolutist who wanted the king to rule unchecked."

"Historians describe him as an absolutist opposed to any limits on royal power."

"The revolution swept the old absolutists from office."

A person who insists that certain principles are absolute and allows no exceptions to them.

"She is an absolutist on free speech and rejects any restriction."

"As an absolutist about honesty, he refused to tell even a kind lie."

"The committee split between absolutists and those willing to compromise."

adjective

Relating to absolute or unchecked authority, or allowing no compromise.

"The country was ruled by an absolutist monarchy for two centuries."

"His absolutist stance left no room for negotiation."

"Critics called the policy absolutist and impractical."

How to use absolutist

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishSomeone, or something, that allows no exceptions or limits to a rule or power.

When to use it

Absolutist is mainly found in historical, political and philosophical writing rather than casual speech.

Memory tip

Think of the -ist ending as marking a person who holds a belief, here the belief that something should be absolute, with no exceptions.

Trace the full origin ↓

Common pairings

an absolutist monarchy an absolutist stance a moral absolutist absolutist rule

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

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Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

The pamphlet was written by an _____ who wanted the king to rule unchecked.

Etymology

Absolutist was formed in English from absolute and the suffix -ist, following the pattern of the earlier French word absolutiste.

Origin: French

Synonyms

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absolutistic

Rhymes for absolutist

flautist parachutist

See all rhymes for absolutist →

Frequently asked questions

What does absolutist mean?

An absolutist is someone who supports unchecked, autocratic rule, or, more broadly, someone who treats certain principles as absolute with no exceptions.

Is absolutist always about politics?

No, it began as a political term for supporters of autocratic government but is now also used for anyone who holds a principle as absolute in other areas, such as ethics or free speech.

Can absolutist be used as an adjective?

Yes, it can describe a system of government, a stance, or an attitude that is unchecked or allows no compromise, as in an absolutist monarchy.

What is the meaning of absolutist?

"absolutist" (noun) means a person who supports absolute or autocratic government.