ridiculous

/ri'dikjuləs/

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The word "ridiculous" is an adjective that describes something that is so silly or unreasonable that it makes people laugh or feel scornful. When we say something is ridiculous, we mean it is absurd or far-fetched, often in a humorous way.

Usage Instructions:

• "Ridiculous" is used to describe things that are not serious, often because they are so strange or foolish. You can use it to talk about ideas, behavior, or situations that don’t make sense.

Examples:

1. Simple Example: "The idea that a dog could fly is ridiculous."
2. More Complex Example: "He wore a ridiculous hat that looked like a giant fruit."

Advanced Usage:

In literature or conversation, "ridiculous" can be used to critique or mock something that is overly serious or pretentious. For example: "The proposal to build a bridge to the moon is not just ambitious; it's downright ridiculous."

Word Variants:

• Ridicule (noun): The act of making fun of someone or something.
  • Example: "His ideas were met with ridicule."
• Ridiculously (adverb): In a way that is absurd or laughable.
  • Example: "She was ridiculously happy about getting a new pair of shoes."

Different Meanings:

While "ridiculous" primarily means silly or absurd, it can also imply that something invites mockery or scorn, as in: "His ridiculous behavior at the meeting embarrassed everyone."

Synonyms:

1. Absurd
2. Preposterous
3. Laughable
4. Silly
5. Ludicrous

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs:

• "It’s ridiculous to think...": This phrase is often used to express disbelief about an idea.
  • Example: "It's ridiculous to think money can buy happiness."
• "Ridiculous as it may seem": This phrase introduces a statement that may sound strange but is true.
  • Example: "Ridiculous as it may seem, some people believe in conspiracy theories."

Academic

Adjective

1. broadly or extravagantly humorous; resembling farce
   • the wild farcical exuberance of a clown
   • ludicrous green hair
2. incongruous; inviting ridicule
   • the absurd excuse that the dog ate his homework
   • that's a cockeyed idea
   • ask a nonsensical question and get a nonsensical answer
   • a contribution so small as to be laughable
   • it is ludicrous to call a cottage a mansion
   • a preposterous attempt to turn back the pages of history
   • her conceited assumption of universal interest in her rather dull children was ridiculous
3. inspiring scornful pity
   • how silly an ardent and unsuccessful wooer can be especially if he is getting on in years- Dashiell Hammett

Synonyms

• farcical
• ludicrous
• absurd
• cockeyed
• derisory
• idiotic
• laughable
• nonsensical
• preposterous
• pathetic
• silly