Absurd \Ab*surd"\, a. [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 fiatly 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. --Shak.
'This phrase absurd to call a villain great. --Pope.
--p. 9
Syn: Foolish; irrational; ridiculous; preposterous;
inconsistent; incongruous.
Usage: 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.
Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)
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