Absolutist Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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absolutist
[หรฆb.sษหluห.tษชst ]
Definitions
political doctrine
An absolutist is a person who supports or advocates for absolute authority in governance, typically holding that power should not be limited by laws or other institutions. This viewpoint often aligns with monarchies or other forms of government where a single ruler has unchecked power. Absolutism was historically significant in many countries, particularly in the 17th and 18th centuries. Those who identify as absolutists may argue that strong central authority can lead to stability and effective governance.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- The king ruled as an absolutist, making decisions without consulting anyone.
- Many absolutists believed in the divine right of kings.
- The era of absolutism saw kings expanding their power over the nobility.
political theory
Describing a system of government in which a single entity holds absolute power, the term absolutist refers to political theories that advocate for this kind of central authority. In an absolutist state, laws may be arbitrary, and citizens have few rights compared to those made in more democratic systems. Absolutist ideologies can prioritize order and unity at the expense of individual freedoms.
Synonyms
authoritarian, dictatorial, totalitarian.
Examples of usage
- The absolutist government suppressed dissent and limited personal freedoms.
- An absolutist regime often enforces its will through strict laws and regulations.
- His absolutist views on governance attracted criticism from political reformers.
Translations
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Interesting Facts
Historical Origins
- The concept of absolutism emerged in the 16th century, where monarchs like Louis XIV of France famously declared, 'L'รtat, c'est moi' (I am the state).
- Absolutism was often justified by the belief in the divine right of kings, which posited that monarchs were chosen by God to rule.
- The rise of absolutism was a response to political instability and conflict during the late Middle Ages and the Renaissance.
Modern Implications
- Today, 'absolutist' can describe leaders or regimes that suppress dissent and control political discourse, often seen in authoritarian governments.
- In contrast to democratic ideals, contemporary absolutism raises concerns about human rights and personal liberties.
- Critics of absolutism often highlight its potential to lead to corruption and tyranny, emphasizing the need for checks and balances.
Origin of 'absolutist'
The term 'absolutist' traces its roots to the Latin 'absolutus,' meaning 'set free, free from,' which shares origins with the word 'absolute.' This Latin term emerged from 'ab-' (from) and 'solvere' (to loosen) to describe something that is not limited or restricted. The concept of absolutism gained significant traction in Europe during the early modern period, especially in the context of political philosophy and governance. It was closely associated with the rise of powerful monarchs who sought to centralize authority and diminish the power of nobility and other institutions. Thinkers such as Thomas Hobbes articulated frameworks that supported absolute governance, culminating in the idea that a sovereign's power is derived from a social contract where people relinquish certain freedoms for security and order. The notion became particularly influential from the 16th to the 18th centuries, especially in countries like France and Spain, leading to debates and eventual resistance that spurred democratic developments in the following centuries.
Word Frequency Rank
At rank #25,144, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.
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- 25141 cremated
- 25142 meshing
- 25143 viscount
- 25144 absolutist
- 25145 solemnized
- 25146 detonated
- 25147 sacerdotal
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