Ridiculous
Definitions and Meaning in English
- Deserving or provoking laughter or mockery due to being absurd, unreasonable, or illogical.
- Extremely silly, unreasonable, or out of place in a way that seems laughable or worthy of scorn.
- Something that is so far from being sensible or realistic that it becomes laughable or absurd.
History and Origin
The word “ridiculous” comes from the Latin word ridiculus, meaning “laughable” or “worthy of being laughed at.” It is derived from ridere, meaning “to laugh.” The term was first used in English in the early 17th century to describe something that provoked laughter, usually due to its absurdity or foolishness. Over time, the meaning expanded to encompass anything that was seen as foolish, unreasonable, or out of place.
Detailed Explanation
“Ridiculous” is commonly used to describe something that is so outlandish, unreasonable, or absurd that it seems laughable or deserving of mockery. The term often carries a negative connotation, implying that the subject is not only absurd but also deserving of scorn or disbelief. Something that is ridiculous might seem completely illogical, impractical, or out of place in a given context. It can refer to actions, ideas, behavior, or situations that are so exaggerated or irrational that they invite ridicule or laughter.
Example Sentences
- The idea that he could finish the marathon without any training seemed completely ridiculous.
- Her outfit for the event was so ridiculous that everyone couldn’t stop laughing.
- It’s ridiculous to think that they can finish the project in just one day.
- The movie’s plot was so ridiculous that it became hard to take seriously.
- It’s ridiculous how much money they spend on things they don’t need.
- He made a ridiculous claim about being able to solve all the world’s problems in a week.
- The suggestion that the team could win the game without their star player was ridiculous.
- The idea of working 24 hours straight without a break is simply ridiculous.
- It’s ridiculous how often they change the rules without any explanation.
Synonyms with Short Explanation
- Absurd – Something that is completely unreasonable or illogical, similar to ridiculous in meaning.
- Ludicrous – So foolish or unreasonable that it causes disbelief or laughter, much like ridiculous.
- Preposterous – Something that is so contrary to reason or common sense that it is laughable, similar to ridiculous.
- Silly – Lacking seriousness or sense, often used to describe things that are ridiculous in a lighthearted way.
- Nonsensical – Something that makes no sense, often used to describe ridiculous ideas or claims.
Related Words with Short Explanation
- Foolish – Lacking good judgment or sense, often used to describe actions that are ridiculous.
- Laughable – Something that causes laughter due to its ridiculousness or absurdity.
- Irrational – Lacking reason or logic, much like something that is ridiculous.
- Unbelievable – So extraordinary or ridiculous that it’s hard to accept or believe.
- Incredible – Often used in a negative sense to describe something that is absurd or ridiculous.
More Matches with Short Explanation
- Outrageous – Something shockingly or extremely unreasonable, similar to ridiculous but often with a stronger connotation.
- Comical – Something so absurd or ridiculous that it becomes amusing or funny.
- Bizarre – Something that is so unusual or strange that it might seem ridiculous.
- Far-fetched – An idea or claim that is so improbable or implausible that it is considered ridiculous.
- Exaggerated – Something that is made to seem more extreme or ridiculous than it actually is.
Antonyms
- Logical
- Reasonable
- Sensible
- Rational
- Practical