Absurdness: meaning, definitions and examples

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absurdness

[əbˈsɜːrdnəs ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

in literature

Absurdness refers to the quality of being illogical, irrational, or nonsensical. It is often used in literature to describe situations or actions that defy reason or common sense.

Synonyms

illogicality, irrationality, nonsense.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
absurdness	Use this word when something is so unreasonable or ridiculous that it defies logic. The absurdness of the situation left everyone speechless
nonsense	This word is used to describe something that is senseless or foolish, often with a dismissive tone. Her explanation was pure nonsense and didn't help clarify the situation at all
irrationality	This word is best used when referring to actions or thoughts that lack reason or clear thinking. His decision to invest all his money in a failing business shows his irrationality
illogicality	Choose this word when something does not follow logical thinking or reasoning, often used in debates or arguments. The illogicality of his argument was apparent to everyone in the room

Examples of usage

The play was filled with absurdness, as the characters engaged in bizarre and nonsensical behavior.
His actions were marked by a sense of absurdness, leaving everyone puzzled.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

in humor

Absurdness can also refer to a sense of humor that is characterized by the ridiculous or the unexpected. It involves the juxtaposition of incongruous elements to create laughter or surprise.

Synonyms

absurdity, humor, ridiculousness.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
absurdness	Best used to describe a general sense of irrationality or illogicality in a situation or idea. The absurdness of the situation made everyone question their sanity The movie's plot was filled with absurdness
ridiculousness	Often used to describe something that is so outlandish or silly that it incites laughter or mockery. It tends to have a slightly negative connotation. The ridiculousness of the outfit drew everyone's stares and giggles He laughed at the ridiculousness of his own mistake
humor	Used to indicate something that is funny or intended to make people laugh. Generally carries a positive connotation. The comedian's show was full of humor that left everyone laughing Adding a bit of humor can lighten the mood in a tense situation
absurdity	Commonly used to highlight something specifically illogical, ridiculous, or wildly unreasonable. Often used in a critical context. The absurdity of the proposal was immediately apparent to everyone in the room There is an absurdity to believing such an obvious lie

Examples of usage

The comedian's jokes were full of absurdness, leaving the audience in stitches.
His comedic style relies heavily on absurdness and absurd situations.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word originates from the Latin 'absurdus', meaning 'out of tune' or 'incoherent'.
The term was first recorded in English in the mid-15th century, originally describing illogical situations.
Philosophers like Albert Camus later popularized the concept in the context of existential thought.

Literature

Absurdism is a literary movement that explores the conflict between human desires and an indifferent universe.
Works like 'Waiting for Godot' by Samuel Beckett illustrate absurdity through humorous yet tragic dialogue.
The genre often uses satire to highlight the futility of human existence and social norms.

Psychology

Experiencing absurdness can lead to laughter, often a coping mechanism for confronting uncomfortable realities.
The recognition of absurd situations can lead to a sense of liberation, prompting individuals to rethink societal expectations.
Therapists may use absurdity in sessions to help patients explore irrational beliefs and unexamined assumptions.

Art

Artists in the Dada movement embraced absurdity as a reaction against the war and the perceived rationality of society.
Absurdity in visual art often manifests through unusual juxtapositions and nonsensical themes, challenging viewers' perceptions.
Contemporary artists continue to explore these themes, using humor and irony to provoke thought about modern life.

Pop Culture

Absurdist humor became popular in shows like 'Monty Python's Flying Circus' and 'The Simpsons', known for their nonsensical characters and situations.
Films like 'The Big Lebowski' showcase absurdity in their plots, often leaving viewers with unresolved questions and comedic moments.
Internet memes often construct absurd scenarios to create humor, showcasing the modern embrace of the nonsensical.

Translations

Translations of the word "absurdness" in other languages:

🇵🇹 absurdidade

🇮🇳 असंगतता

🇩🇪 Absurdität

🇮🇩 kebodohan

🇺🇦 абсурдність

🇵🇱 absurdalność

🇯🇵 不条理

🇫🇷 absurdité

🇪🇸 absurdo

🇹🇷 saçmalık

🇰🇷 부조리

🇸🇦 سخافة

🇨🇿 absurdnost

🇸🇰 absurdnosť

🇨🇳 荒谬

🇸🇮 absurdnost

🇮🇸 fáránleiki

🇰🇿 абсурд

🇬🇪 აბსურდულობა

🇦🇿 absurdluq

🇲🇽 absurdo

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #43,293, this word is among the least frequently used in common English. Understanding it can be beneficial for comprehensive language mastery, but it's not essential for most learners.

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43296 craggier
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