Meaning & use
absolutist language
Last updated
Meanings
noununcountableformal
Speech or writing that presents ideas as absolutely true or right, with no allowance for doubt or other views.
Grammar: Uncountable: used without 'a' or a plural, e.g. 'The article uses absolutist language.'
Patterns
- use absolutist language
- resort to absolutist language
- avoid absolutist language
The politician's speech was full of absolutist language, leaving no room for debate.
Good negotiators avoid absolutist language like 'never' and 'always'.
The essay criticized the absolutist language of the manifesto.
noununcountableformalspecialist
Words that suggest total, unconditional commitment to a principle or belief, often in politics or religion.
Grammar: Often used when analyzing how language shapes thought or conflict.
Patterns
- absolutist language of something
- characterized by absolutist language
The historian noted the absolutist language of the revolutionary leaders.
Her book examines the absolutist language used in religious disputes.
Common combinations
- use absolutist language
- Try not to use absolutist language when giving feedback.
- full of absolutist language
- The editorial was full of absolutist language that alienated readers.
- avoid absolutist language
- Diplomats are trained to avoid absolutist language.
- criticize absolutist language
- Scholars criticize absolutist language for shutting down discussion.
Synonyms and how they differ
- dogmatic language
- Similar but more focused on rigid adherence to a doctrine; 'absolutist language' emphasizes the absolute, all-or-nothing quality of the words.
- black-and-white language
- More informal and describes oversimplified contrasts; 'absolutist language' is a more formal analytical term.
Opposites
Word family
- absolutism noun
- The belief that a single principle or ruler has absolute power.
- absolutist noun
- A person who supports absolute principles or rule.
Commonly confused: absolutist language or absolute language?
absolutist language vs absolute language
Less common and can simply mean language that is complete or total; 'absolutist' specifically refers to a political or philosophical stance.
Practice
Which sentence uses 'absolutist language' correctly?
Choose one answer.
Absolutist language leaves no room for other views, so it would not make people feel included, express uncertainty, or be balanced. Option 0 correctly describes criticism of such language.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “absolutist language”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.