ABRIDGMENT.

Synonyms:

abbreviation, compend, epitome, summary,
abstract, compendium, outline, synopsis.
analysis, digest,

An _abridgment_ gives the most important portions of a work
substantially as they stand. An _outline_ or _synopsis_ is a kind of
sketch closely following the plan. An _abstract_ or _digest_ is an
independent statement of what the book contains. An _analysis_ draws out
the chief thoughts or arguments, whether expressed or implied. A
_summary_ is the most condensed statement of results or conclusions. An
_epitome_, _compend_, or _compendium_ is a condensed view of a subject,
whether derived from a previous publication or not. We may have an
_abridgment_ of a dictionary, but not an _analysis_, _abstract_,
_digest_, or _summary_. We may have an _epitome_ of religion, a
_compendium_ of English literature, but not an _abridgment_. Compare
ABBREVIATION.

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ABSOLUTE.

Synonyms:

arbitrary, compulsory, haughty, peremptory,
arrogant, controlling, imperative, positive,
authoritative, despotic, imperious, supreme,
autocratic, dictatorial, irresponsible, tyrannical,
coercive, dogmatic, lordly, unconditional,
commanding, domineering, overbearing, unequivocal.
compulsive, exacting,

In the strict sense, _absolute_, free from all limitation or control,
and _supreme_, superior to all, can not properly be said of any being
except the divine. Both words are used, however, in a modified sense, of
human authorities; _absolute_ then signifying free from limitation by
other authority, and _supreme_ exalted over all other; as, an _absolute_
monarch, the _supreme_ court. _Absolute_, in this use, does not
necessarily carry any unfavorable sense, but as _absolute_ power in
human hands is always abused, the unfavorable meaning predominates.
_Autocratic_ power knows no limits outside the ruler's self; _arbitrary_
power, none outside the ruler's will or judgment, _arbitrary_ carrying
the implication of wilfulness and capriciousness. _Despotic_ is commonly
applied to a masterful or severe use of power, which is expressed more
decidedly by _tyrannical_. _Arbitrary_ may be used in a good sense; as,
the pronunciation of proper names is _arbitrary_; but the bad sense is
the prevailing one; as, an _arbitrary_ proceeding. _Irresponsible_ power
is not necessarily bad, but eminentl