Definition

To make something absolute or unconditional, often by treating it as the only truth or principle.

Example

Philosophers often absolutize certain moral principles to emphasize their importance.

Tense Forms

Conversation

Have you ever thought about how people tend to absolutize their beliefs?

Yeah, it's interesting how some don’t see any gray areas at all.

Exactly! It makes conversations so much harder when people just make things absolute.

For sure, a little flexibility in thinking could really help.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Absolutize → It is formed from "absolutus" (from Latin, meaning free or set free) and the suffix "-ize" (meaning to make or to cause to become). The word "absolutize" means to make something absolute or to treat it as if it is absolute.

Memory Tip

Think of making something 'free' or 'set free' ('absolutus') and then adding 'to make' ('-ize') — that's how you remember that 'absolutize' means to make something absolute.

Visually Confused Words