adjective / noun
absurd
ub-SURD/əbˈsɜːrd/
Contrary to reason or ordinary expectations of sense.
Ironing a fully topped pizza is an absurd way to treat dinner.
Etymology
Ab- may be intensive here, joined to surdus, “deaf” or “dull.” Their combination meant “out of tune” and figuratively “senseless,” perhaps treating unreasonableness as a failure to harmonize with reason or propriety.
In context
this discrimination is an utterly absurd illogical and tyrannical one
More examples
- It is absurd to expect one person to finish tonight.
- The play explores the absurd through impossible conversations.
- His explanation became more absurd with every detail.
Forms
absurd · more absurd · most absurd
Similar words
- ridiculous
- Emphasizes deserving laughter or mockery rather than contradicting reason.
- irrational
- Emphasizes a lack of logical or reasonable thinking.