absurd in English
- absurd⇄absurd, adjective, noun.
- absurd⇄adj. plainly not true, logical, or sensible; so contrary to reason that it is laughable; foolish; ridiculous.
Ex. The idea that the number 13 brings bad luck is absurd.
(SYN) preposterous. - absurd⇄adv. absurdly.
- absurd⇄noun absurdness.
- absurd⇄noun situations and ideas that represent the absurdity of the human condition.
Ex. students of the absurd, the literature of the absurd.
absurd in Hindi हिन्दी
absurd in Konkani कोंकणी
absurd in Sindhi سنڌي
absurd in Tamil தமிழ்
Absurd
Part of Speech
Adjective, Noun
Pronunciation
/əbˈsɜːd/
Definitions
1. (adjective) Wildly unreasonable, illogical, or inappropriate.
2. (adjective) Ridiculously difficult to accept or believe.
3. (noun) The quality or state of being absurd; something that is absurd.
Usage Examples
- The idea that the Earth is flat is absurd.
- It’s absurd to believe that we can all live without cooperation.
- His argument seemed to be rooted in pure absurdity.
Etymology
Originates from the Latin "absurdus," meaning "out of tune, irrational," derived from "ab-" (away) and "surdus" (deaf or dull). The term entered the English language in the late 16th century.
Synonyms
- Preposterous
- Ridiculous
- Ludicrous
- Foolish
- Illogical
Antonyms
- Reasonable
- Logical
- Rational
- Practical
- Sensible
Translations
| Language | Translation |
|---|---|
| English | Absurd |
| Spanish | Absurd |
| French | Absurde |
| German | Absurde |
| Italian | Assurdo |
| Portuguese | Absurdo |
| Chinese (Simplified) | 荒谬 |
| Japanese | 馬鹿げた |
| Korean | 어리석은 |
| Russian | Абсурд |
| Arabic | سخيف |
| Hindi | बेतुका |
| Bengali | অবিশ্বাস্য |
| Punjabi | ਬੇਹੂਦਾ |
| Telugu | అసంబద్ధమైన |
| Tamil | படைப்பான |
| Marathi | अविचारपूर्ण |
| Gujarati | વિકલ્પ |
| Malayalam | മൂട്ടാത്ത |
| Kannada | ಅಸಮಾನ |
| Odia | ଅବସ୍ଥା |
| Assamese | অবহেলা |
| Urdu | بیہودہ |
| Swahili | Upuuzi |
| Turkish | Saçma |
| Persian | ابزار |
| Vietnamese | Vô lý |
| Thai | ไร้สาระ |
| Hebrew | אבסורדי |
Regional Pronunciation Variations
- American English: /əbˈsɜːd/
- British English: /əbˈsɜːd/
- Australian English: /əbˈsɜːd/
Historical Usage
The term "absurd" has been used since the late 16th century, initially to describe something that was discordant or out of harmony, especially in reference to the irrational nature of the world. Its usage evolved through the 20th century to describe illogical, foolish, and unreasonable ideas or situations.
Cultural Nuances
The word "absurd" is often used in discussions of philosophy, art, and literature. It is notably associated with existential philosophy (e.g., Albert Camus) and modern art, which explores the limits of reason and reality. It can sometimes be used in a dismissive way to critique illogical arguments or actions.
More Information
Absurdity is often used to highlight the contradictions or irrationalities present in society, art, and human thought. Its use in philosophical contexts, particularly in the works of Camus, illustrates the conflict between humans' search for meaning and the indifferent universe. Absurdity also plays a significant role in the theater of the absurd, a post-World War II movement that emphasized illogical, nonsensical dialogue and themes.