nonsensical

The word "nonsensical" is a relatively modern English formation, built upon the established noun "nonsense," which itself dates to the early 17th century. It combines the Latin negative prefix "non-" with the root "sense," which traces back to the Latin sensus (feeling, perception, meaning), from the verb sentire (to feel). The suffix "-ical" is a compound adjectival ending that intensifies the quality of being "like nonsense." Thus, the literal construction "not pertaining to sense" logically evolved to describe ideas, language, or actions that are absurd, illogical, or devoid of rational meaning.

Structure: non (not) + sens (sense) + ical (adjective suffix) - non: A prefix of Latin origin meaning "not." - sens: A root derived from Latin sentire (to feel, perceive) and sensus (sense, feeling). - ical: An adjective-forming suffix of Latin origin via French, equivalent to -ic, meaning "pertaining to" or "characterized by."