Senseless Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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senseless
[ˈsɛnsləs ]
Definitions
behavior
Lacking meaning or purpose; pointless; absurd.
Synonyms
futile, irrational, meaningless, unreasonable.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| senseless |
Used to describe actions or events that lack purpose or benefit and often seem very irrational or illogical. It can have a negative connotation.
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| meaningless |
Indicates that something lacks significance, importance, or value. It can often carry a negative connotation.
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| futile |
Used when efforts are expected to be unsuccessful or when an action seems pointless because it won't produce any useful result.
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| irrational |
Describes thoughts, actions, or behaviors that are not based on reason or clear thinking. Often used with a negative connotation.
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| unreasonable |
Refers to demands, reactions, or expectations that are not fair, sensible, or appropriate. It is often used with a negative connotation.
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Examples of usage
- His senseless actions led to disastrous consequences.
- The senseless violence in the city must be stopped immediately.
emotion
Devoid of sensibility; unconscious.
Synonyms
insensible, numb, unconscious, unfeeling.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| senseless |
Use this word to describe situations or actions that lack meaning, purpose, or logic. It can also refer to a state of being unconscious. Often has a negative connotation.
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| unconscious |
Refers to a state where someone is not awake and not aware of their surroundings, often due to injury, illness, or other medical conditions.
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| insensible |
Best used to describe a lack of awareness or sensitivity to something, often in a physical sense but can be emotional as well. It can mean not aware of or not being affected by something.
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| unfeeling |
Used to describe a person who does not show sympathy or emotions, often perceived as harsh or cold. It has a strong negative connotation.
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| numb |
This word is typically used to describe a physical lack of feeling, such as when a part of the body is unable to feel anything, but it can also describe a lack of emotional response.
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Examples of usage
- After the accident, he lay senseless on the ground.
- The news left her feeling numb and senseless.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Psychology
- In psychology, senseless behavior can be linked to underlying stress or emotions that are difficult to express clearly.
- Studies have shown that when people are overwhelmed, they may act in ways that seem nonsensical as a coping mechanism.
Literature
- Many poets and writers have used the concept of 'senselessness' to criticize societal norms, showcasing the absurdities of life.
- Famous works, like Lewis Carroll's 'Alice's Adventures in Wonderland,' play with senseless language to convey deeper meanings about reality.
Pop Culture
- Comedy shows and films often use senseless humor, where actions or dialogues seem ridiculous on the surface but resonate with audience experiences.
- Internet memes frequently embrace senselessness, creating viral content that highlights absurd situations or phrases.
Philosophy
- Philosophers have debated the concept of what makes sense, reflecting on how different perspectives can render actions or ideas senseless.
- Existentialists, in particular, explore the idea that life can sometimes feel senseless amid chaos and unpredictability.
Origin of 'senseless'
Main points about word origin
- The word 'senseless' comes from the combination of 'sense' (meaning understanding) and the suffix '-less' (meaning without), literally meaning 'without sense.'
- It originated in the early 14th century, reflecting a time when people began to focus on rational thought and reasoning.
The word 'senseless' originated in the late 16th century from the combination of 'sense' and the suffix '-less'. It has evolved over time to encompass both the lack of meaning or purpose as well as the state of being unconscious or devoid of sensibility.
See also: desensitized, hypersensitivity, insensibility, insensible, insensitive, nonsense, nonsensical, nonsensically, sensation, sensational, sensations, sense, senselessly, sensibility, sensible, sensibly, sensitive, sensitivity, sensor, sensory, sensual, sensuous.