Ad Absurdum

C2 16+
Pronunciation Definitions Examples Grammatical Forms Origin and Evolution

Pronunciation: /æd æbˈsɜːrdəm/

Definitions of ad absurdum

noun a Latin phrase meaning 'to the point of absurdity', often used in logic and argumentation to demonstrate the absurdity of a certain claim or argument

Example Sentences

A1 She took his argument ad absurdum by pointing out its flaws.

A2 The comedian's routine was full of ad absurdum humor.

B1 The author used ad absurdum to highlight the absurdity of the situation.

B2 The philosopher's argument was taken ad absurdum by his critics.

C1 The lawyer used ad absurdum to demonstrate the flaws in the prosecution's case.

C2 The artist's work was a masterful example of ad absurdum satire.

Examples of ad absurdum in a Sentence

formal The philosopher argued his point ad absurdum, using logical reasoning to show the flaw in his opponent's argument.

informal She took his joke ad absurdum, laughing until tears streamed down her face.

slang The internet meme took the concept ad absurdum, turning a simple idea into a viral sensation.

figurative The artist pushed the boundaries of reality ad absurdum, creating a surreal masterpiece.

Grammatical Forms of ad absurdum

past tense

ad absurdummed

plural

ad absurdums

comparative

more ad absurdum

superlative

most ad absurdum

present tense

ad absurdums

future tense

will ad absurdum

perfect tense

have ad absurdumed

continuous tense

is ad absurduming

singular

ad absurdum

positive degree

ad absurdum

infinitive

to ad absurdum

gerund

ad absurduming

participle

ad absurdumed

Origin and Evolution of ad absurdum

First Known Use: 1601 year
Language of Origin: Latin
Story behind the word: The phrase 'ad absurdum' has Latin origins and can be traced back to ancient Roman rhetoric and logic.
Evolution of the word: Originally used in the context of logical arguments to show that a statement leads to absurd or illogical conclusions when taken to its extreme, the term has since been adopted in various fields such as mathematics, philosophy, and literature to emphasize the absurdity or extreme nature of a situation or argument.