Ridiculous: meaning, definitions and examples
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ridiculous
[rɪˈdɪkjələs ]
Definitions
in a humorous or absurd manner
causing laughter because of absurdity; provoking or deserving derision; absurd; preposterous; laughable: a ridiculous plan.
Synonyms
absurd, laughable, preposterous, silly.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| ridiculous |
Use when describing something extremely unreasonable or nonsensical, often in a way that invites ridicule or laughter.
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| absurd |
Perfect for situations where something is utterly irrational or lacks logical sense, often to a more intellectual degree.
|
| preposterous |
Ideal for highlighting something outrageous or far-fetched, emphasizing strong disbelief or skepticism.
|
| laughable |
Best suited for things so silly or ludicrous that they cause laughter. Often has a mocking tone.
|
| silly |
Use in light-hearted or playful situations to describe minor foolishness or lack of seriousness. Often less harsh than 'ridiculous' or 'absurd'.
|
Examples of usage
- That's a ridiculous idea!
- Don't be ridiculous, it's impossible to do that!
extremely unreasonable, absurd, or out of place
deserving or inviting derision or mockery; absurdly inept, false, etc.: a ridiculous decision.
Synonyms
absurd, ludicrous, preposterous.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| ridiculous |
Use in everyday language to describe something very silly or unreasonable, often in a humorous or slightly critical way.
|
| absurd |
Ideal for describing situations or ideas that are extremely unreasonable, illogical, or inappropriate. It often has a more formal or philosophical tone.
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| ludicrous |
Best used to describe something so wild or foolish that it seems laughable. It has a slight humorous undertone.
|
| preposterous |
Use to describe something that is outright foolish, outrageous, or highly unreasonable. It often carries a stronger negative connotation.
|
Examples of usage
- It's ridiculous to think that he would agree to that.
- The whole situation is just ridiculous.
Interesting Facts
Etymology
- The word comes from the Latin 'ridiculus,' meaning laughable or funny, which hints at its humorous connotation.
- In the 16th century, the word started to be used in English, originally describing something that could make people laugh.
Pop Culture
- Many comedians use the concept to create comedy routines, emphasizing the absurdity of everyday situations.
- In popular media, characters often react with disbelief to 'ridiculous' scenarios, showcasing its comedic potential.
Psychology
- Research suggests that humor can defuse tension and anxiety, making the 'ridiculous' a powerful tool in stress relief.
- People often use humor to cope with bizarre situations, viewing them as 'ridiculous' helps lessen negative emotions.
Literature
- Authors use the term to highlight the folly of human behavior, often critiquing social norms through ridiculous character actions.
- The satirical works of writers like Jonathan Swift often present 'ridiculous' scenarios to provoke thought and discussion.
Language
- The word has synonyms like 'absurd,' 'ludicrous,' and 'preposterous,' each adding a unique flavor to discussions of silliness.
- In everyday conversation, it can be used to downplay serious topics by emphasizing their illogical aspects.
Translations
Translations of the word "ridiculous" in other languages:
🇵🇹 ridículo
🇮🇳 हास्यास्पद
🇩🇪 lächerlich
🇮🇩 konyol
🇺🇦 смішний
🇵🇱 śmieszny
🇯🇵 ばかげた
🇫🇷 ridicule
🇪🇸 ridículo
🇹🇷 gülünç
🇰🇷 우스꽝스러운
🇸🇦 سخيف
🇨🇿 směšný
🇸🇰 smiešny
🇨🇳 荒谬
🇸🇮 smešen
🇮🇸 fáránlegur
🇰🇿 қалжың
🇬🇪 სასაცილო
🇦🇿 gülünc
🇲🇽 ridículo