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Ridiculously: meaning, definitions and examples

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ridiculously

 

[rɪˈdɪkjʊləsli ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adverb

used to emphasize how extreme or unreasonable something is

In a manner or to a degree that is highly unreasonable or excessive.

Synonyms

excessively, extremely, unreasonably.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
ridiculously

Use when describing a situation or characteristic that seems so absurd or beyond what is normal that it becomes almost laughable or unbelievable.

  • The cake was ridiculously expensive for its size
  • He was dressed ridiculously in a clown suit at a formal event
extremely

Suitable for describing something that is to a very high degree, used in both positive and negative contexts.

  • The weather is extremely hot today
  • She was extremely happy with her test results
excessively

Appropriate when indicating something that goes beyond what is usual, necessary, or acceptable, often implying a negative judgement.

  • She worries excessively about her grades
  • The manager was excessively demanding with his employees
unreasonably

Perfect for situations where something is beyond what seems fair or sensible, often suggesting an unfairness or lack of logic.

  • It was unreasonably difficult to complete the task in such a short time
  • He was unreasonably angry over a small mistake

Examples of usage

  • He was ridiculously tall, towering over everyone else in the room.
  • She paid a ridiculously high price for that designer handbag.
  • The restaurant was ridiculously crowded, we couldn't even find a table.
Context #2 | Adverb

used to describe something that is absurd or laughable

In a manner that is deserving of laughter or mockery; absurdly.

Synonyms

absurdly, laughably, mockingly.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
ridiculously

Used to describe something that is extremely unreasonable or silly.

  • The prices at the fancy restaurant are ridiculously high.
  • She was ridiculously overdressed for a casual outing.
absurdly

Used when something goes against common sense or logic to a noticeable extent.

  • The idea that the Earth is flat is absurdly outdated.
  • He was dressed absurdly for the formal event in a clown suit.
laughably

Used to describe something so absurd or inadequate that it provokes laughter.

  • The excuse he gave was so weak it was laughably ineffective.
  • Their attempt to compete was laughably bad.
mockingly

Used when someone is speaking or acting in a way that makes fun of or ridicules someone or something.

  • She imitated his voice mockingly, making everyone laugh.
  • He looked at her mockingly and said, 'Oh, sure, like you really know how to fix it.'

Examples of usage

  • The magician performed the trick so ridiculously that the audience burst into laughter.
  • His attempt at singing was so ridiculously bad that even his friends couldn't help but chuckle.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word comes from the Latin 'ridere,' which means to laugh, reflecting its humorous nature.
  • It first appeared in the English language in the 19th century, evolving from 'ridiculous' with the addition of 'ly' to describe an action.
  • The prefix 'rid-' relates to laughter, while the '-ously' ending forms an adverb, enhancing its descriptive quality.

Pop Culture

  • The term is often used in comedy to describe situations that are absurd or overly exaggerated, making it a favorite among stand-up comedians.
  • Songs like 'So Ridiculous' by the artist Shwayze capture the essence of carefree fun and silliness in modern music.
  • Popular TV shows often have characters or scenes described as 'ridiculously funny,' elevating entertainment value and humor.

Psychology

  • Experiencing humor, described as 'ridiculous,' triggers the brain's pleasure centers, leading to laughter and joy.
  • Cognitive dissonance can make situations feel ridiculous; when expectations are defied, it can evoke laughter or disbelief.
  • People often cope with stress by finding humor in the 'ridiculous' situations they encounter, which can benefit their mental health.

Literature

  • In literature, characters often find themselves in ridiculous situations, highlighting absurdity and sparking humor, as seen in works like 'The Importance of Being Earnest' by Oscar Wilde.
  • Authors like Mark Twain frequently used ridiculous scenarios to critique society and human behavior in a humorous way.
  • Ridiculousness is a common theme in children’s literature, often represented through silly characters or plots that engage young readers.

Everyday Use

  • People use the term in daily conversation to express disbelief or to downplay something absurd, such as 'That's just ridiculous!'
  • Social media has popularized the term, often used in memes or tweets to amplify the humor in bizarre incidents.
  • Its frequent use in advertising helps to capture attention and convey messages in an engaging, relatable manner.

Translations

Translations of the word "ridiculously" in other languages:

🇵🇹 ridiculamente

🇮🇳 हास्यास्पद रूप से

🇩🇪 lächerlich

🇮🇩 sangat

🇺🇦 безглуздо

🇵🇱 absurdalnie

🇯🇵 ばかげている

🇫🇷 ridiculement

🇪🇸 ridículamente

🇹🇷 saçma bir şekilde

🇰🇷 어처구니없이

🇸🇦 بشكل سخيف

🇨🇿 směšně

🇸🇰 smiešne

🇨🇳 荒谬地

🇸🇮 smešno

🇮🇸 fáránlega

🇰🇿 мазақ қылып

🇬🇪 სასაცილოდ

🇦🇿 gülünc şəkildə

🇲🇽 ridículamente

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #20,715, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.