“Absolutely ridiculous” is a phrase used to describe something that is extremely silly, absurd, or nonsensical. It’s like saying that whatever you’re talking about is so crazy or unbelievable that it’s hard to take seriously. For example, if someone suggests that pigs can fly, you might respond, “That’s absolutely ridiculous!” because it’s something that’s clearly impossible and doesn’t make sense.
Meaning and Definition of “Absolutely Ridiculous”
“Absolutely ridiculous” generally conveys a strong sense of disbelief or incredulity towards something. Here are some different contexts and meanings in which it might be used:
- Utterly absurd: This refers to something completely illogical or nonsensical. For example, if someone suggests that elephants can ride bicycles, you might respond with “That’s absolutely ridiculous!” because it’s something that defies common sense.
- Exaggeratedly foolish: It can be used to emphasize how foolish or foolish something seems. For instance, if someone tells you they’re going to swim across the ocean tomorrow, you might reply with “That’s absolutely ridiculous!” because it’s an extremely risky and impractical idea.
- Completely unreasonable: It can convey the idea that something is entirely unreasonable or impractical. For example, if someone proposes a plan that involves spending a billion dollars on a project with no clear benefits, you might describe it as “absolutely ridiculous” because it’s an excessive and wasteful use of resources.
- Unbelievably funny: In some contexts, “absolutely ridiculous” might be used to describe something that is so funny or absurd that it’s hard to believe. For example, if you see a comedy show where the jokes are incredibly silly, you might say afterwards, “That was absolutely ridiculous!” to mean that it was hilariously absurd.
What are the other words or phrases for “absolutely ridiculous”?
There are several synonyms or similar phrases you can use to convey the same meaning as “absolutely ridiculous.” Here are some alternatives:
- Totally absurd: Emphasizes complete irrationality or lack of logic.
- Completely ludicrous: Highlights the extreme foolishness or absurdity of something.
- Utterly preposterous: Conveys a sense of total disbelief or incredulity.
- Unbelievably nonsensical: Describes something that is beyond belief in its lack of sense or reason.
- Sheer madness: Indicates extreme irrationality or craziness.
- Downright foolish: Suggests a lack of wisdom or common sense.
- Beyond comprehension: Implies that something is so illogical or nonsensical that it’s impossible to understand.
- Patently absurd: Indicates that something is blatantly or obviously ridiculous.
- Wholly irrational: Emphasizes the complete lack of logic or reason.
- Positively ludicrous: Conveys a sense of absolute absurdity or folly.
Bonus tips and examples of “absolutely ridiculous”
Here are some tips and examples to help you use “absolutely ridiculous” effectively in your spoken English:
- Use it to express disbelief: When you encounter something that seems illogical or absurd, “absolutely ridiculous” can convey your disbelief strongly. For example:
- “Did you hear Sarah’s excuse for being late? She said her pet turtle ate her car keys! That’s absolutely ridiculous!”
- Emphasize absurdity: Use the phrase to highlight just how nonsensical or foolish something is. For instance:
- “The new company policy forbids employees from using the office microwave on Tuesdays. Isn’t that absolutely ridiculous?”
- React to outrageous statements or ideas: When someone suggests something outrageous or impractical, “absolutely ridiculous” can convey your reaction effectively. For example:
- “Tom thinks he can learn Mandarin in a week before his trip to China. That’s absolutely ridiculous!”
- Express amusement: Use the phrase to show that you find something hilariously absurd. For instance:
- “Did you see the movie where the main character turns into a talking pickle? It’s absolutely ridiculous, but it’s so funny!”
- Combine it with gestures or tone: Using appropriate gestures or tone of voice can enhance the impact of “absolutely ridiculous.” For example, you might widen your eyes or raise your eyebrows when saying it to emphasize your incredulity.
Remember, “absolutely ridiculous” is a strong phrase, so it’s best used for situations where you genuinely find something extremely silly or illogical.
Examples of “Absolutely Ridiculous” in Sentences
Here are some simple examples of “absolutely ridiculous” you can use in daily speaking, keeping in mind the context and potential impact:
Disbelief:
- “They expect us to finish this project in an hour? Absolutely ridiculous!”
- “She claims she saw a UFO land in her backyard? Uh-huh, absolutely ridiculous.”
- “You’re telling me the store was out of bread again? That’s absolutely ridiculous!”
Disapproval:
- “They canceled the concert due to a light drizzle? Absolutely ridiculous!”
- “Making kids wear uniforms to school? It’s so outdated and restrictive, absolutely ridiculous!”
- “That new restaurant charges $20 for a single burger? Absolutely ridiculous!”
Humorous Absurdity:
- “Look at the dog trying to wear your hat! Absolutely ridiculous!”
- “He tripped over a pebble and face-planted on the sidewalk. So clumsy, it’s absolutely ridiculous!”
- “I tried following that recipe and ended up with a kitchen disaster! Absolutely ridiculous, but at least it’s funny.”
Hyperbole:
- “I’m stuck in this traffic jam and haven’t moved in an hour! This is absolutely ridiculous!”
- “I have so much laundry to do, it’s absolutely ridiculous!”
- “I haven’t slept a wink all night, I’m absolutely starving!”
More examples
- “My little brother tried to convince me that aliens stole his homework. That’s absolutely ridiculous!”
- “She said she could run faster than a cheetah. Isn’t that absolutely ridiculous?”
- “The idea of putting pineapple on pizza might seem absolutely ridiculous to some people.”
- “I can’t believe the price they’re asking for that tiny bottle of water! It’s absolutely ridiculous!”
- “Imagine trying to fit an elephant into a mini Cooper. That’s absolutely ridiculous!”
- “My dog thinks he’s a superhero and tries to fly off the couch. It’s absolutely ridiculous, but it’s adorable!”
- “The politician’s excuse for missing the meeting was that their pet goldfish needed emergency surgery. How absolutely ridiculous!”
- “They expect us to finish this project by tomorrow with no additional resources? That’s absolutely ridiculous!”
- “She claims she can speak 10 languages fluently, but I think that’s absolutely ridiculous.”
- “The fashion trend of wearing socks with sandals looks absolutely ridiculous to me.”
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References: ABSOLUTELY RIDICULOUS definition and meaning | Collins English Dictionary
