| / English Dictionary |
ABSURD
| Pronunciation (US): |  | (GB): | |
I. (noun)
Sense 1
Meaning:
A situation in which life seems irrational and meaningless
Example:
The absurd is the essential concept and the first truth
Synonyms:
absurd; the absurd
Classified under:
Nouns denoting stable states of affairs
Hypernyms ("absurd" is a kind of...):
situation; state of affairs (the general state of things; the combination of circumstances at a given time)
II. (adjective)
Sense 1
Meaning:
Inconsistent with reason or logic or common sense
Example:
the absurd predicament of seeming to argue that virtue is highly desirable but intensely unpleasant
Classified under:
Similar:
illogical; unlogical (lacking in correct logical relation)
Derivation:
absurdity; absurdness (a message whose content is at variance with reason)
Sense 2
Meaning:
So unreasonable as to invite derision
Example:
her conceited assumption of universal interest in her rather dull children was ridiculous
Synonyms:
absurd; cockeyed; derisory; idiotic; laughable; ludicrous; nonsensical; preposterous; ridiculous
Classified under:
Similar:
foolish (devoid of good sense or judgment)
Derivation:
absurdity (a ludicrous folly)
absurdness (a message whose content is at variance with reason)
Context examples:
Her start was perceptible only to herself; but she instantly felt that she was the greatest simpleton in the world, the most unaccountable and absurd!
(Persuasion, by Jane Austen)
In front of this creature was an absurd mannikin, or dwarf, in human form, who stood staring at it.
(The Lost World, by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle)
Had they fixed on any other man it would have been nothing; but his perfect indifference, and your pointed dislike, make it so delightfully absurd!
(Pride and Prejudice, by Jane Austen)
I am sure I cannot imagine how they will spend half of it; and as to your giving them more, it is quite absurd to think of it.
(Sense and Sensibility, by Jane Austen)
Nay, my sweetest Catherine, this is being quite absurd!
(Northanger Abbey, by Jane Austen)
He added, that his suspicions were much increased by some very absurd speeches I had delivered at first to his sailors, and afterwards to himself, in relation to my closet or chest, as well as by my odd looks and behaviour while I was at supper.
(Gulliver's Travels into several remote nations of the world, by Jonathan Swift)
Something of a theatre we must have undoubtedly, but it will be on the simplest plan: a green curtain and a little carpenter's work, and that's all; and as the carpenter's work may be all done at home by Christopher Jackson himself, it will be too absurd to talk of expense; and as long as Jackson is employed, everything will be right with Sir Thomas.
(Mansfield Park, by Jane Austen)
Absurd and insufferable!
(Emma, by Jane Austen)
It's absurd.
(Health threats caused by mobile phone radiation, EUROPARL TV)
About a week ago—it was the Tuesday of last week—I found on one of the window-sills a number of absurd little dancing figures like these upon the paper.
(The Return of Sherlock Holmes, by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle)
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