Dave's ESL Cafe's Student Discussion Forums

[eagleflych]

Hi, everybody:

I have seen the phrase "a class for absolute beginners " in an Oxford dictionary.

I guess that the meaning of "absolute beginners" is:

at every aspect, the people whose level of knowledge, skills, etc. is not above the level of beginners

Is the understanding right or wrong?

Thanks a lot in advance.

[scottish_tiger]

You are correct that the phrase "absolute beginner" refers to someone who has no previous knowledge of a subject, sport or new skills, and are looking to begin studying or training to enhance their knowledge.

Incidentally, it is also the name of a David Bowie song (from the movie of the same name):

I've nothing much to offer
There's nothing much to take
I'm an absolute beginner
And I'm absolutely sane
As long as we're together
The rest can go to hell
I absolutely love you
But we're absolute beginners
With eyes completely open
But nervous all the same

If our love song
Could fly over mountains
Could laugh at the ocean
Just like the films
There's no reason
To feel all the hard times
To lay down the hard lines
It's absolutely true

Nothing much could happen
Nothing we can't shake
Oh we're absolute beginners
With nothing much at stake
As long as you're still smiling
There's nothing more I need
I absolutely love you
But we're absolute beginners
But if my love is your love
We're certain to succeed

If our love song
Could fly over mountains
Sail over heartaches
Just like the films
There's no reason
To feel all the hard times
To lay down the hard lines
It's absolutely true


Good luck

Scottish Tiger

PS I will be in Singapore for a month doing some consultancy work, but will look at this post to see if I can help you further
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I am always happy to help you learn English.