Absolutno

Absolutno is a common adverb in several Slavic languages, including Croatian, Bosnian, Serbian, and Slovenian. It functions as an intensifier meaning completely, utterly, or absolutely, and is used to strengthen adjectives, verbs, or entire clauses. Examples follow common daily usage, such as “To je absolutno pogrešno” (That is absolutely wrong) or “On je absolutno siguran” (He is absolutely certain). In many contexts, absolutno conveys a stronger emphasis than more neutral equivalents.

Etymology and form. The term derives from the adjective absolutan/absolutan (absolutely), itself rooted in Latin absolutus meaning freed from constraint or complete. In the Slavic languages, absolutno has become a fixed adverbial form that does not change with gender or number, although its surrounding adjectives may display standard agreement when used adjectivally (e.g., absolutno dobar, absolutna sigurnost in corresponding languages).

Usage and variation. While absolutno is widely understood, some languages prefer alternative intensifiers. Croatian and Serbian frequently use apsolutno as well, with apsolutno often appearing in more formal or technical contexts; Slovenian speakers may opt for popolnoma or zanesljivo for neutral emphasis, reserving absolutno for stronger claims. In ordinary speech and media, both absolutno and apsolutno are common, and the choice can reflect tone, register, or personal style.

Mathematics. In Slavic linguistic contexts, the mathematical concept of absolute value is typically expressed as apsolutna vrijednost (not absolutno), so absolutno is not normally used in mathematical notation.

See also: absolute value, absolutan/apsolutan, intensifier.