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Ridiculously Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

๐Ÿคฃ
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ridiculously

[rษชหˆdษชkjสŠlษ™sli ]

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  • The idea that the Earth is flat is absurdly outdated.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.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

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 childrenโ€™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.

Origin of 'ridiculously'

Main points about word origin

  • 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.

The word 'ridiculously' is derived from the word 'ridiculous', which comes from the Latin word 'ridiculous' meaning 'laughable' or 'mocking'. It has been used in English since the 16th century to describe something that is deserving of laughter or mockery. Over time, it has evolved to also mean something that is extremely unreasonable or excessive.

See also: ridicule, ridiculer, ridiculing, ridiculous, ridiculousness.

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.