absurdity
UK[əbˈsɜː.də.ti]US[əbˈsɝː.də.t̬i]
n
the quality or state of being ridiculous or wildly unreasonable.
n
something that is absurd or wildly unreasonable.
Morpheme Breakdown
absurd
ity
absurd
ity
Etymology
the word 'absurdity' originates from the latin 'absurdus', a compound of 'ab-' (away from) and 'surdus' (deaf, mute), literally meaning 'out of tune' or 'discordant'. this musical metaphor evolved in latin to describe ideas that were incongruous or irrational, much like a harsh sound. the adjective 'absurd' entered english in the late 16th century, and the noun-forming suffix '-ity', denoting a state or condition, was appended to create 'absurdity', encapsulating the quality of being logically or sensibly incongruous.
Analysis
Structure: absurd + ity
absurd (from latin 'absurdus', meaning 'out of tune, senseless'; functions as the core adjective root) + ity (from latin '-itas', via old french '-ité', a suffix forming nouns indicating a state or quality)
Examples
the absurdity of the situation made everyone laugh.
he was trying to explain the sheer absurdity of their proposal.
the play is a satire that highlights the absurdities of modern bureaucracy.