Absurdity: meaning, definitions and examples
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absurdity
[ əbˈsɜːrdɪti ]
in philosophy
The quality or state of being ridiculous or wildly unreasonable. Absurdity is often used to describe a situation or statement that is illogical, senseless, or contrary to reason.
Synonyms
irrationality, nonsense, ridiculousness.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
Word | Description / Examples |
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absurdity |
This word is often used to describe a situation, statement, or action that is completely unreasonable or illogical.
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ridiculousness |
This term is generally used to emphasize the laughable or extreme nature of something inappropriate or stupid.
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irrationality |
This term is best used when discussing behavior or thoughts that do not adhere to logic or reason, often in a more formal or scientific context.
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nonsense |
This word is commonly used to express that something is ridiculous or lacks any sensible meaning, often in everyday conversation.
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Examples of usage
- His argument was filled with absurdity and lacked any logical basis.
- The absurdity of the conspiracy theory became evident when no evidence could be found to support it.
in literature
An absurd or wildly unreasonable action or statement within a literary work. Absurdity in literature can serve as a form of satire, humor, or social commentary.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
Word | Description / Examples |
---|---|
absurdity |
when describing a situation or idea that is completely unreasonable or ridiculous.
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absurdness |
similar to 'absurdity', but less commonly used. It can describe a state or condition of being absurd.
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folly |
when referring to a foolish action, idea, or behavior, often implying a lack of good sense or judgment.
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mockery |
when showing disrespect or making fun of someone or something in a scornful manner.
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Examples of usage
- The character's decision to wear a chicken suit to a funeral was a perfect example of literary absurdity.
- The play used absurdity to highlight the absurdity of societal norms.
Translations
Translations of the word "absurdity" in other languages:
🇵🇹 absurdo
🇮🇳 बेतुकापन
🇩🇪 Absurdität
🇮🇩 kebodohan
🇺🇦 абсурдність
🇵🇱 absurd
🇯🇵 不条理
🇫🇷 absurdité
🇪🇸 absurdo
🇹🇷 saçmalık
🇰🇷 부조리
🇸🇦 العبثية
🇨🇿 absurdita
🇸🇰 absurdita
🇨🇳 荒谬
🇸🇮 absurdnost
🇮🇸 fáránleiki
🇰🇿 абсурд
🇬🇪 აბსურდი
🇦🇿 absurdlük
🇲🇽 absurdo
Etymology
The word 'absurdity' originated in the mid-16th century from the French word 'absurdité' and the Latin word 'absurditas', meaning 'dissonance, incongruity'. It has been used in philosophy, literature, and everyday language to describe situations or statements that defy logic or reason.
See also: absurd, absurdly, absurdness.