Absolutism Meaning
/ˈæb.sə.luː.tɪz.m̩/Definition, CEFR level C2, pronunciation, examples, and quiz.
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Definition
nounDoctrine of preordination; doctrine of absolute decrees; doctrine that God acts in an absolute manner.
nounThe principles or practice of absolute or arbitrary government; Synonym of despotism.
Sentence Examples
The king's absolutism was unpopular.
Absolutism is a political ideology.
The monarch ruled with absolute power, championing the concept of absolutism.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms:
Antonyms:
None
CEFR Practice Quiz
The king's belief in ____ allowed no checks on his power.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
The political theory of ____ was common in 17th-century Europe.
Word Origin & History
First attested in 1753 (in the theological sense); attested in 1830 in the political sense. From absolute + -ism, based after French absolutisme.
Literary Quotations & Historical Citations
"The element of absolutism and prelacy was more controlling in the counsels of the rival corporation."
— 1859, John Gorham Palfrey, chapter IV, in History of New England, volume I, page 217:
"As absolutism became more consolidated in Europe, and particularly in France, such nonabsolutist states tended to define themselves in opposition to their absolutist rivals: hence, those features of their government which differed from absolutism tended to be given special prominence."
— 2019, John Gascoigne, Science and the State, page 54:
"It was the absolutism of his ambition to be a perfect writer (and perhaps also the perfect son) that imperiled him."
— 2003, Ruth R. Wisse, The Modern Jewish Canon: A Journey Through Language, →ISBN:
Explore More C2 Vocabulary Words
CEFR Practice Quiz
The king's belief in ____ allowed no checks on his power.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
The political theory of ____ was common in 17th-century Europe.