Definitions for: Absurd


[adj] inconsistent with reason or logic or common sense; "the absurd predicament of seeming to argue that virtue is highly desirable but intensely unpleasant"- Walter Lippman
[adj] completely devoid of wisdom or good sense; "the absurd excuse that the dog ate his homework"; "ask a nonsensical question and get a nonsensical answer"; "a contribution so small as to be laughable"; "it is ludicrous to call a cottage a mansion"; "a preposterous attempt to turn back the pages of history"; "her conceited assumption of universal interest in her rather dull children was ridiculous"



Webster (1913) Definition: Ab*surd", a. [L. absurdus harsh-sounding; ab + (prob) a
derivative fr. a root svar to sound; not connected with surd:
cf. F. absurde. See Syringe.]
Contrary to reason or propriety; obviously and fiatly opposed
to manifest truth; inconsistent with the plain dictates of
common sense; logically contradictory; nonsensical;
ridiculous; as, an absurd person, an absurd opinion; an
absurd dream.

This proffer is absurd and reasonless. --Shak.

'This phrase absurd to call a villain great. --Pope.
--p. 9

Syn: Foolish; irrational; ridiculous; preposterous;
inconsistent; incongruous.

Usage: Absurd, Irrational, Foolish, Preposterous. Of
these terms, irrational is the weakest, denoting that
which is plainly inconsistent with the dictates of
sound reason; as, an irrational course of life.
Foolish rises higher, and implies either a perversion
of that faculty, or an absolute weakness or fatuity of
mind; as, foolish enterprises. Absurd rises still
higher, denoting that which is plainly opposed to
received notions of propriety and truth; as, an absurd
man, project, opinion, story, argument, etc.
Preposterous rises still higher, and supposes an
absolute inversion in the order of things; or, in
plain terms, a ``putting of the cart before the
horse;'' as, a preposterous suggestion, preposterous
conduct, a preposterous regulation or law.


Ab*surd" ([a^]b*s[^u]rd"), n.
An absurdity. [Obs.] --Pope.

Synonyms: derisory, foolish, illogical, laughable, ludicrous, nonsensical, preposterous, ridiculous, unlogical, unreasonable

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