ad absurdum

[ ad ab-sur-duhm ]

/ æd æbˈsɜr dəm /

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adverb

to the point of absurdity.

QUIZ

CAN YOU ANSWER THESE COMMON GRAMMAR DEBATES?

There are grammar debates that never die; and the ones highlighted in the questions in this quiz are sure to rile everyone up once again. Do you know how to answer the questions that cause some of the greatest grammar debates?

Question 1 of 7

Which sentence is correct?

His boss, whom he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

His boss, who he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

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Origin of ad absurdum

First recorded in 1650–60; from Latin: literally, “to (the) absurd”

Words nearby ad absurdum

acyl group, acyl halide, acyloin, ad, Ada, ad absurdum, adactylous, Adad, adage, adagio, Adah

How to use ad absurdum in a sentence

A lot of the culture around movies in the sci-fi/fantasy genre is about deconstructing them ad nauseam.
Patton Oswalt on Fighting Conservatives With Satire|William O’Connor|January 6, 2015|DAILY BEAST
Yes, publicizing tragedy gets clicks, gets ad revenue, gets notoriety, and can be done for all the wrong reasons.
Cover-Ups and Concern Trolls: Actually, It's About Ethics in Suicide Journalism|Arthur Chu|January 3, 2015|DAILY BEAST
When it came to Android, however, it was ad-supported but free.
Lost For Thousands of Strokes: 'Desert Golfing' Is 'Angry Birds' as Modern Art|Alec Kubas-Meyer|January 2, 2015|DAILY BEAST
Late former governors of NY, TX starred in a 1994 snack chip ad.
Mario Cuomo, Ann Richards Concede to Doritos|The Daily Beast Video|January 2, 2015|DAILY BEAST

But an ad-supported version of Desert Golfing was impossible.
Lost For Thousands of Strokes: 'Desert Golfing' Is 'Angry Birds' as Modern Art|Alec Kubas-Meyer|January 2, 2015|DAILY BEAST
"I supposed you 'adn't, as 'e ain't 'ere, with yer ma," replied the young person.
Rosemary in Search of a Father|C. N. Williamson
Postrem quid nobis effectum hactenus, seu potis quid attentatum sit ad diuinam gloriam.
The Jesuit Relations and Allied Documents, Vol. II: Acadia, 1612-1614|Various
Cert ante hoc tempus vix vnquam Gallis vacatum fuit conuertdis incolarum ad Christum animis.
The Jesuit Relations and Allied Documents, Vol. II: Acadia, 1612-1614|Various
I don't blame him for killin' the cuss, not a bit; I'd have shot any man livin' that 'ad taken a good horse o' mine up that trail.
Ramona|Helen Hunt Jackson
In hoc Isthmo portus regalis est, vbi nunc degimus, ad gradum latitudinis quadragesimum quartum cum besse.
The Jesuit Relations and Allied Documents, Vol. II: Acadia, 1612-1614|Various

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.”