1. In linguistics, the grammatical case of a noun that marks the object of a transitive verb or the subject of an intransitive verb in ergative languages.
Usage: linguistics; technical

1. Of or relating to the absolutive case in grammar.
Usage: linguistics; technical

Examples

• In Basque, the absolutive case marks both the direct object and the intransitive subject.
• The absolutive form of the noun changes depending on whether the verb is transitive or intransitive.
• Linguists studying ergative languages must understand the distinction between ergative and absolutive cases.
• The absolutive case is common in many indigenous languages of the Americas and Australia.
• In this sentence, the noun appears in the absolutive case because it is the object of the action.