ablative absolute

noun

, Latin Grammar.

1. a construction not dependent upon any other part of the sentence, consisting of a noun and a participle, noun and adjective, or two nouns, in which both members are in the ablative case, as Latin viā factā, “the road having been made.”

ablative absolute

noun

1. an absolute construction in Latin grammar in which a governor noun and a modifier in the ablative case function as a sentence modifier; for example, hostibus victis, "the enemy having been beaten"

Word History and Origins

Origin of ablative absolute¹

First recorded in 1520–30

Example Sentences

The first three lines might have been expressed by an ablative absolute in two words—Troia euersa.

From Project Gutenberg

This he remembered had interrupted the silent rehearsal of the sentence with the ablative absolute in it.

From Project Gutenberg

To-night I have a pressing engagement with the Ablative Absolute.

From Project Gutenberg

Try to remember, Quinlan, what I told you about the use of the ablative absolute.

From Project Gutenberg

As for the ablative absolute, its reconstruction and regeneration have been the inspiring principle of my studious manhood.

From Project Gutenberg