Absurd
WordNet

adjective


(1)   Inconsistent with reason or logic or common sense
"The absurd predicament of seeming to argue that virtue is highly desirable but intensely unpleasant"- Walter Lippman
(2)   Incongruous;inviting ridicule
"The absurd excuse that the dog ate his homework"
"That's a cockeyed idea"
"Ask a nonsensical question and get a nonsensical answer"
"A contribution so small as to be laughable"
"It is ludicrous to call a cottage a mansion"
"A preposterous attempt to turn back the pages of history"
"Her conceited assumption of universal interest in her rather dull children was ridiculous"

noun


(3)   A situation in which life seems irrational and meaningless
"The absurd is the essential concept and the first truth"--Albert Camus
WiktionaryText

Etymology


, from + . Probably derived from the root ; not connected with surd: compare French absurde.

Adjective



  1. Contrary to reason or propriety; obviously and flatly opposed to manifest truth; inconsistent with the plain dictates of common sense; logically contradictory; nonsensical; ridiculous.
    • This proffer is absurd and reasonless. - Shakespeare, Henry VI, Part I, V-iv
    • This phrase absurd to call a villain great. - Alexander Pope

Usage notes

  • Said of people, opinions, dreams, etc.

Among the synonyms:
  • Irrational is the weakest, denoting that which is plainly inconsistent with the dictates of sound reason; as, an irrational course of life.
  • Foolish rises higher, and implies either a perversion of that faculty, or an absolute weakness or fatuity of mind; as, foolish enterprises.
  • Absurd rises still higher, denoting that which is plainly opposed to received notions of propriety and truth; as, an absurd man, project, opinion, story, argument, etc.
  • Preposterous rises still higher, and supposes an absolute inversion in the order of things; or, in plain terms, a "putting of the cart before the horse;" as, a preposterous suggestion, preposterous conduct, a preposterous regulation or law.

Synonyms


Noun



  1. An absurdity. — Alexander Pope
  2. (with the) That which is absurd.

Adjective



  1. absurd


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Noun



  1. nonsense
    Jego propozycje to jeden wielki absurd.
    His suggestions are one big nonsense.

Declension

 
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