Absurd Meaning
/əbˈsɜːd/Definition, CEFR level B2, pronunciation, examples, and quiz.
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Definition
adjContrary to reason or propriety; obviously and flatly opposed to manifest truth; inconsistent with the plain dictates of common sense; logically contradictory; nonsensical; ridiculous; silly.
adjInharmonious; dissonant.
Sentence Examples
You cannot achieve the impossible without attempting the absurd.
Your method of teaching English is absurd.
That uniform makes the guards look absurd.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms:
CEFR Practice Quiz
His suggestion to build a rocket from cardboard was completely ____.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
The idea that the earth is flat is completely ____ to most people.
Word Origin & History
First attested in 1557. From Middle French absurde, from Latin absurdus (“incongruous, dissonant, out of tune”), from ab (“away from, out”) + surdus (“silent, deaf, dull-sounding”). Compare surd.
Literary Quotations & Historical Citations
"This proffer is absurd and reasonless."
— 1591 (date written), William Shakespeare, “The First Part of Henry the Sixt”, in Mr. William Shakespeares Comedies, Histories, & Tragedies […] (First Folio), London: […] Isaac Iaggard, and Ed[ward] Blount, published 1623, →OCLC, [Act V, scene iv]:
"'Tis phrase absurd to call a villain great"
— 1734, [Alexander Pope], An Essay on Man. […], epistle IV, London: […] J[ohn] Wilford, […], →OCLC:
"“Perhaps it is because I have been excommunicated. It's absurd, but I feel like the Jackdaw of Rheims.” ¶ She winced and bowed her head. Each time that he spoke flippantly of the Church he caused her pain."
— 1918, W[illiam] B[abington] Maxwell, chapter XVII, in The Mirror and the Lamp, Indianapolis, Ind.: The Bobbs-Merrill Company, →OCLC:
"I know it sounds absurd / But please, tell me who I am"
— 1979, “The Logical Song”, in Roger Hodgson (lyrics), Breakfast in America, performed by Supertramp:
"Adults have condemned them to live in what must seem like an absurd universe."
— 1968 March 2, Joseph Featherstone, “A New Kind of Schooling”, in The New Republic:
Explore More B2 Vocabulary Words
CEFR Practice Quiz
His suggestion to build a rocket from cardboard was completely ____.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
The idea that the earth is flat is completely ____ to most people.