\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.

\Ab*surd"\ ([a^]b*s[^u]rd"), n.
An absurdity. [Obs.] --Pope.