Definition
absurd or ridiculous to the point of being amusing or laughable.
Pronunciation
US English
UK English
Part of Speech
adjective.
Synonyms
absurd, ridiculous, preposterous, nonsensical, farcical, laughable, comical, foolish, silly.
Antonyms
reasonable, sensible, logical, credible, serious, solemn, reasonable, practical, realistic.
Word Forms
| Part of Speech | Words |
|---|---|
| Noun | None |
| Verb | None |
| Adjective | ludicrous |
| Adverb | ludicrously |
Example Sentences
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It’s ludicrous to suggest that aliens are controlling our thoughts through our smartphones.
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The idea of a talking animal running for president is ludicrous.
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The pathetically small sum of money he offered was a ludicrous response to my request for a raise.
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The movie was so ludicrously bad that it became a cult classic among fans of cringe comedy.
Usage
The word ’ludicrous’ is mainly used to describe situations, ideas, or behaviors that are absurd, ridiculous, or preposterous to the point of being amusing or laughable. It is an adjective derived from the Latin word ’ludicrus,’ which means “sportive or playful.”
The word can be used in a variety of contexts, ranging from formal to informal language, and it is particularly useful when making a point about something that is beyond reason. It is often used in combination with other words, such as ’ludicrously’, ’ludicrousness’, and ’ludicrousy’, to indicate the degree of absurdity or ridiculousness of a particular situation or idea.
The prefix ’lud-’ is derived from the Latin word ’ludus,’ which means “play” or “game.” This prefix can be found in other words, such as ‘prelude’, ‘interlude’, and ‘allude’. The suffix ‘-crous’ is a variant of the suffix ‘-crat’ or ‘-cracy’, which means “rule” or “govern.” The use of the suffix ‘-crous’ in ’ludicrous’ emphasizes the playful or humorous nature of the situation or idea being described.
In literature, ’ludicrous’ has been used to describe a wide range of characters, from comical fools to eccentric geniuses. It has served as a tool to create humor, irony, and sarcasm in various literary genres, from satire to comedy. For example, the character of Don Quixote in the novel of the same name by Miguel de Cervantes is often described as ludicrous, as his behavior and actions are absurdly mismatched with reality, but in a comical way.
Overall, the word ’ludicrous’ is a useful term to express the extent to which something is absurd or ridiculous, while also conveying a playful, humorous, or ironic tone.