ad absurdum

[ ad ab-sur-duh m ]
/ æd æbˈsɜr dəm /

adverb

to the point of absurdity.

QUIZZES

CHALLENGE YOURSELF WITH THESE WORDS FROM "LITTLE WOMEN"

"Little Women" may be a classic, but that doesn't mean we all know the meanings of the vocab words from the book. Can you define these words correctly and make Jo proud?
Question 1 of 10
earnest
full seriousness, as of intention or purpose.
a feeling of dread, anxiety, or anguish.
urgent character; imperativeness; insistence; importunateness.
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Origin of ad absurdum

< Latin: to (the) absurd

Words nearby ad absurdum

acylation, acyloin, acyltransferase, acystia, ad, ad absurdum, ad arbitrium, ad astra per aspera, ad captandum vulgus, ad damnum, ad eundem gradum
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2020

Cultural definitions for ad absurdum

ad absurdum
[ (ad uhb-sur-duhm) ]

An argument whereby one seeks to prove one's position by pointing out the absurdity or foolishness of an opponent's position. Also, an argument carried to such lengths that it becomes silly or ridiculous. From Latin, meaning “to absurdity.”

The New Dictionary of Cultural Literacy, Third Edition Copyright © 2005 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.