absurdity

UK: əbˈsɜːdəti | US: əbˈsɜːrdəti

Definition

  1. n. the quality or state of being absurd (wildly unreasonable or illogical)

  2. n. an absurd idea, action, or situation

Structure
absurd <illogical>ity <noun suffix>
Etymology

absurdity = absurd<illogical> + ity<noun suffix>

  • absurd: From Latin absurdus ("out of tune, ridiculous"), combining ab- (away from) + surdus (deaf, dull). Originally described dissonance in music, later extended to irrationality.
  • ity: A noun-forming suffix from Latin -itas, indicating a state or quality.

Etymology Origin:
The word traces back to Latin absurdus, where ab- ("away from") + surdus ("deaf") metaphorically implied "harsh-sounding" or "irrational." Over time, it shifted from musical discord to general irrationality, with -ity formalizing the abstract noun in English (16th century).

Examples

  1. The absurdity of his argument left the audience speechless.

  2. She laughed at the sheer absurdity of the situation.

  3. The play highlights the absurdity of bureaucratic systems.

  4. His proposal bordered on absurdity.

  5. Philosophers often debate the absurdity of human existence.