absolu
La liberté est un droit absolu.
Freedom is an absolute right.
Not limited or restricted in any way; total
Il a une confiance absolue en ses capacités.
He has absolute confidence in his abilities.
Often used with abstract nouns like 'pouvoir' (power), 'vérité' (truth), 'nécessité' (necessity).
Without any doubt or qualification; unconditional
Il exige une obéissance absolue.
He demands unconditional obedience.
Common in legal or moral contexts.
In philosophy, independent of external conditions; not relative
Pour Kant, la morale est un principe absolu.
For Kant, morality is an absolute principle.
Opposite of 'relatif' (relative).
In grammar, absolute superlative (e.g., 'très' in 'très grand')
C'est une beauté absolue.
It's absolute beauty.
Used to intensify adjectives or nouns.
Collocations
Antonyms
Pro Tip
Avoid overusing 'absolu'
While 'absolu' is useful for formal or philosophical contexts, it can sound stiff in everyday speech. Prefer 'total' or 'complet' for general use.
Gold Rule
Absolute vs. Relative
In French, 'absolu' is the opposite of 'relatif' (relative). This distinction is crucial in philosophy and grammar.
Word Origin
From Latin 'absolutus', past participle of 'absolvere' (to absolve, set free), from 'ab-' (away) + 'solvere' (to loosen).
Usage Notes
In French, 'absolu' is often used in philosophical or moral contexts to denote something unconditional or independent of external factors. Avoid overusing it in casual conversation; it can sound overly formal.