Absurd
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* '''[[Foolish]]''' rises higher, and implies either a [[perversion]] of that faculty, or an absolute [[weakness]] or [[fatuity]] of mind; as, ''foolish'' enterprises. | * '''[[Foolish]]''' rises higher, and implies either a [[perversion]] of that faculty, or an absolute [[weakness]] or [[fatuity]] of mind; as, ''foolish'' enterprises. | ||
* '''[[Absurd]]''' rises still higher, denoting that which is plainly opposed to received [[notions]] of propriety and truth; as, an ''absurd'' man, [[project]], opinion, story, argument, etc. | * '''[[Absurd]]''' rises still higher, denoting that which is plainly opposed to received [[notions]] of propriety and truth; as, an ''absurd'' man, [[project]], opinion, story, argument, etc. | ||
- | * '''[[Preposterous]]''' rises still higher, and [[supposes]] an absolute ''inversion'' in the order of things; or, in plain terms, a "putting of the cart before the horse;" as, a ''preposterous'' [[suggestion]], ''preposterous'' conduct, a ''preposterous'' [[regulation]] or law. | + | * '''[[Preposterous]]''' rises still higher, and [[supposes]] an absolute ''[[inversion]]'' in the [[order of things]]; or, in plain terms, a "putting of the cart before the horse;" as, a ''preposterous'' [[suggestion]], ''preposterous'' conduct, a ''preposterous'' [[regulation]] or law. |
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Revision as of 13:49, 29 March 2009
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Absurd can refer to:
- Absurdism, a philosophy born of existentialism
- Absurdist fiction, absurdist literature
- absurdity, with small "a", is a form of surreal humour
- Theatre of the Absurd, an artform utilizing the philosophy of absurdism
Definition
- Contrary to reason or propriety; obviously and flatly opposed to manifest truth; inconsistent with the plain dictates of common sense; logically contradictory; nonsensical; ridiculous.
- This proffer is absurd and reasonless. - Shakespeare, Henry VI, Part I, V-iv
- This phrase absurd to call a villain great. - Alexander Pope
Usage notes
- Said of people, opinions, dreams, etc.
Among the synonyms:
- Irrational is the weakest, denoting that which is plainly inconsistent with the dictates of sound reason; as, an irrational course of life.
- Foolish rises higher, and implies either a perversion of that faculty, or an absolute weakness or fatuity of mind; as, foolish enterprises.
- Absurd rises still higher, denoting that which is plainly opposed to received notions of propriety and truth; as, an absurd man, project, opinion, story, argument, etc.
- Preposterous rises still higher, and supposes an absolute inversion in the order of things; or, in plain terms, a "putting of the cart before the horse;" as, a preposterous suggestion, preposterous conduct, a preposterous regulation or law.
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