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absolute, in philosophy, the opposite of relative. The term has acquired numerous widely variant connotations in different philosophical systems. It means unlimited, unconditioned, or free of any relation; perfect, complete, or total; permanent, inherent, or ultimate; independent, or valid without reference to a perceiving subject. In epistemology, absolute means certain or indubitable as opposed to probable or hypothetical. As a substantive, the absolute is the ultimate basis of reality, the principle underlying the universe. Theologically, it is synonymous with, or characteristic of, God. Philosophically, it may be considered as the unknowable, the thing-in-itself; as that ultimate nonrelative that is the basis of all relation; as the ultimate, all-comprehensive principle in which all differences and distinctions are merged. The concept of the absolute was present in Greek philosophy. In modern times, both realists and idealists have used the term, but it is, perhaps, most intimately connected with the idealism of G. W. Hegel.

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absolute

In programming, a mathematical function that always returns a positive number. For example, ABS(25-100) yields 75, not -75.

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absolute

1. Physics

a. (of a pressure measurement) not relative to atmospheric pressure

b. denoting absolute or thermodynamic temperature

2. Maths

a. (of a constant) never changing in value

b. (of an inequality) unconditional

c. (of a term) not containing a variable

3. Law (of a court order or decree) coming into effect immediately and not liable to be modified; final

4. Law (of a title to property, etc.) not subject to any encumbrance or condition

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absolute [‚ab·sə′lüt]

(meteorology)

Referring to the highest or lowest recorded value of a meteorological element, whether at a single station or over an area, during a given period. Abbreviated abs.