absurd

Reading level: hard

Estimated CEFR level: B1 — Intermediate

Estimated from word frequency; not an official CEFR classification.

Definition

  1. noun a situation in which life seems irrational and meaningless; --Albert Camus
  2. adjective inconsistent with reason or logic or common sense; - Walter Lippman
  3. adjective incongruous;inviting ridicule

Etymology

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.

In classic literature

Synonyms

the absurd

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