absoluteness

Etymology

From absolute +‎ -ness.

Pronunciation

• (UK) IPA^(key): /ˈab.sə.luːt.nəs/, /ab.səˈluːt.nəs/

• Audio (Southern England):

  (file)

• (US) IPA^(key): /ˈæb.səˌlut.nəs/

• Audio (US):

  (file)

Noun

absoluteness (usually uncountable, plural absolutenesses)

1. (obsolete) The fact of being finished or perfected; completeness. [Attested from the mid 16^th century until the 17^th century.]
2. The characteristic of being absolute in nature or scope.

   the absoluteness of his sovereignty, the absoluteness of his convictions

3. Absolute authority, unlimited power; absolutism, despotism. [First attested in the 16^th century.]
   • 1603, Michel de Montaigne, chapter 8, in John Florio, transl., The Essayes […], book II, London: […] Val[entine] Simmes for Edward Blount […], →OCLC, page 228:

     I know no man that could produce more parts, both naturall and artificiall, fit to preserve his masterie, and to maintaine his absolutenesse, than he doth; yet is hee cleane falne from them like a childe.

4. The fact of being without qualifications or conditions; certainty, unconditionality. [First attested in the 17^th century.]
5. Independent autonomy. [First attested in the 17^th century.]