absolute value

noun

1

: a nonnegative number equal in numerical value to a given real number

2

: the positive square root of the sum of the squares of the real and imaginary parts of a complex number

Examples of absolute value in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

To the women of the WNBA, analysts at ESPN, and hosts at NBC, race and identity define one's absolute value. — Bobby Burack Outkick, FOXNews.com, 10 Aug. 2026

The summary table will show absolute values and percentage change. — Mayra Rodriguez Valladares, Forbes.com, 19 Mar. 2026

To calculate the volatility, Sea-Intelligence took the absolute value of the week-over-week change in capacity, so that any change is recorded as a positive value. — Glenn Taylor, Sourcing Journal, 10 July 2025

However, Disney+ signed an agreement to invest 25% of their French turnover in French content and 14% in French theatrical movies, proportionally more than Netflix, but less in absolute value. — Elsa Keslassy, Variety, 11 Apr. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1803, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for absolute value

• eigenvalue
• undervalue

Kids Definition

absolute value

noun

: a nonnegative number that is equal to a given number with any negative sign removed

the absolute value of -3 is 3