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Webster 1913 Edition
Absurd
Ab-surd′
(ăb-sûrd′)
, Adj.
[L.
absurdus
harsh-sounding; ab
+ (prob) a derivative fr. a root svar
to sound; not connected with surd
: cf. F. absurde
. See Syringe
.] Contrary to reason or propriety; obviously and flatly opposed to manifest truth; inconsistent with the plain dictates of common sense; logically contradictory; nonsensical; ridiculous;
as, an
absurd
person, an absurd
opinion; an absurd
dream.This proffer is
absurd
and reasonless. Shakespeare
’This phrase
absurd
to call a villain great. Pope.
p. 9
Syn. – Foolish; irrational; ridiculous; preposterous; inconsistent; incongruous.
–
Absurd
, Irrational
, Foolish
, Preposterous
. Of these terms, 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. Ab-surd′
(ăb-sûrd′)
, Noun.
An absurdity.
[Obs.]
Pope.
Webster 1828 Edition
Absurd
ABSURD'
,Adj.