IPA

Dictionary definition of absurd

Completely unreasonable, illogical, or ridiculous.
"It's absurd to think that the moon is made of cheese."

Detailed meaning of absurd

It suggests that the thing being described is so far-fetched or nonsensical that it's hard to take it seriously. An absurd idea or situation may be so outlandish or improbable that it defies common sense or rational explanation. It can also imply a lack of seriousness or respect for the truth. When something is described as absurd, it often elicits feelings of disbelief or amusement, as the absurdity may be so extreme that it's comical. However, it can also be used to express frustration or disapproval, as the absurdity may be seen as a barrier to progress or a hindrance to understanding. Overall, the adjective absurd is used to describe something that is utterly unreasonable or ridiculous and often defies logic or explanation.

Example sentences of absurd

1. The absurd idea of flying cars still captures our imagination.
2. It's absurd to believe that fish can breathe out of water.
3. His absurd explanation left everyone baffled.
4. The absurdity of the situation became increasingly clear.
5. She found the conspiracy theories utterly absurd.
6. Trying to fit a giraffe in a car is simply absurd.

History and etymology of absurd

The adjective 'absurd' has its etymological origins in Latin. It is derived from the Latin word 'absurdus,' which combines 'ab' (meaning 'away from') and 'surdus' (meaning 'deaf' or 'unintelligible'). Originally, 'absurdus' was used in Latin to describe something that was incongruous or discordant, often in a sensory or auditory context, such as discordant sounds that did not make sense together. Over time, the term's meaning expanded to convey the idea of something that was completely unreasonable, illogical, or ridiculous, as if it made no sense. This sense of absurdity carried over into English, where 'absurd' denotes something that lacks rationality, coherence, or any semblance of reason. The etymology of 'absurd' highlights its historical association with incongruity and a lack of harmony, emphasizing its connotation of complete unreasonableness or irrationality.

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Further usage examples of absurd

1. The absurd notion that the Earth is flat is debunked.
2. The movie's plot was so absurd that it became a cult classic.
3. Making important decisions based on astrology seems absurd.
4. It's absurd to think that cats can read minds.
5. It's absurd to believe that aliens built the pyramids.
6. The idea of talking animals is absurd.
7. The absurd notion of a square circle is logically impossible.
8. It's absurd to think that money alone can buy happiness.
9. The play was filled with absurd humor and unexpected twists.
10. It's absurd to expect a child to solve complex mathematical equations.
11. The absurd rules of the game made it difficult to play.
12. His explanation for being late was absolutely absurd.
13. The absurd price tag on the luxury item left many people bewildered.
14. It's absurd to believe that the Earth is flat in this day and age.
15. The professor's absurd theory was quickly dismissed by his peers.
16. The absurd fashion trend made people question the taste of designers.
17. The absurd amount of paperwork required for a simple task was frustrating.
18. The movie was filled with absurd situations that had the audience laughing uncontrollably.
19. It's absurd to judge a person solely based on their appearance.