Absurdness is a term that is often used to describe something that is completely illogical or nonsensical. It is a concept that can be applied to many different areas of life, from art and literature to politics and philosophy. In this article, we will explore the definition and meaning of absurdness, as well as its origins, associations, synonyms, and antonyms.
Definitions
Absurdness is a state of being that is characterized by a lack of rationality or coherence. It is often used to describe situations or ideas that are so far-fetched or implausible that they defy common sense. Some common synonyms for absurdness include ridiculousness, foolishness, and nonsense.
Origin
The word “absurd” comes from the Latin word “absurdus,” which means “out of tune” or “discordant.” The term was first used in English in the mid-16th century, and it was originally used to describe things that were incongruous or inconsistent. Over time, the term came to be associated with things that were simply illogical or nonsensical.
Meaning in different dictionaries
The meaning of absurdness can vary slightly depending on the dictionary you consult. According to the Oxford English Dictionary, absurdness is “the quality or state of being absurd; the quality of being contrary to reason or common sense.” Merriam-Webster defines it as “the quality or state of being absurd; something that is absurd.”
Associations
Absurdness is often associated with the avant-garde movements in art and literature that emerged in the early 20th century. These movements rejected traditional forms and conventions in favor of more experimental and unconventional approaches. Absurdness is also associated with the philosophy of existentialism, which emphasizes the absurdity of human existence in a meaningless universe.
Synonyms
Some common synonyms for absurdness include ridiculousness, foolishness, nonsense, illogicality, and irrationality.
Antonyms
Antonyms of absurdness include reasonableness, rationality, coherence, and logic.
The same root words
The same root words as absurdness include absurd, absurdity, and absurdly.
Example Sentences
Here are a few example sentences that illustrate the use of absurdness:
- The idea that the moon is made of cheese is pure absurdness.
- The plot of the movie was so absurd that I couldn’t even follow it.
- His argument was filled with so much absurdness that I couldn’t take him seriously.
- The surrealists were known for their embrace of absurdness and irrationality in their art.
- The existentialists believed that the absurdness of human existence was a fundamental aspect of the human condition.