Langimage
English

absurd

|ab/surd|

B2

🇺🇸

/əbˈsɜrd/

🇬🇧

/əbˈsɜːd/

illogical or unreasonable

Etymology
Etymology Information

'absurd' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'absurdus,' where 'ab-' meant 'away from' and 'surdus' meant 'deaf or silent.'

Historical Evolution

'absurdus' transformed into the French word 'absurde,' and eventually became the modern English word 'absurd' through Middle English.

Meaning Changes

Initially, it meant 'out of tune or discordant,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'illogical or unreasonable.'

Meanings by Part of Speech

Adjective 1

wildly unreasonable, illogical, or inappropriate.

The idea that the earth is flat is absurd.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Last updated: 2025/01/11 11:35