Absurd

(34), a. [Lat. absurdus, proceeding from one that is deaf, or from that which is dull-sounding, consequently giving an empty or harsh sound, offending the ear, incongruous; ab and surdus, deaf, not listening, dull-sounding: Fr. absurde.] Opposed to manifest truth; inconsistent with reason, or the plain dictates of common sense; logically contradictory.

'Tis phrase absurd to call a villain great. Pope.

This proffer is absurd and reasonless. Shak.

Synonyms—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, representing a person as deaf to the voice of reason, and his opinion or conduct as opposed to the dictates of common sense; as, an absurd scheme, an absurd hypothesis, an absurd argument, &c. 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.

n. An act of absurdity. [Rare.] This arch absurd that wit and fool delights. Pope.