Ridiculous Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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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.
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| preposterous |
Ideal for highlighting something outrageous or far-fetched, emphasizing strong disbelief or skepticism.
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| laughable |
Best suited for things so silly or ludicrous that they cause laughter. Often has a mocking tone.
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| silly |
Use in light-hearted or playful situations to describe minor foolishness or lack of seriousness. Often less harsh than 'ridiculous' or 'absurd'.
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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.
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| 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.
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| preposterous |
Use to describe something that is outright foolish, outrageous, or highly unreasonable. It often carries a stronger negative connotation.
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Examples of usage
- It's ridiculous to think that he would agree to that.
- The whole situation is just ridiculous.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
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.
Origin of 'ridiculous'
Main points about word origin
- 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.
The word 'ridiculous' originated from the Latin word 'ridiculus', which means 'laughable' or 'absurd'. It has been used in the English language since the 16th century. Over time, 'ridiculous' has evolved to describe something that is extremely unreasonable, absurd, or deserving of mockery. It is often used to emphasize the absurdity or inappropriateness of a situation or idea.
See also: ridicule, ridiculer, ridiculing, ridiculously, ridiculousness.