Refine this word faster

Stronger alternatives Opposite tone Use in context Cross-language nuance

Reductio ad absurdum

//rɪˈdʌk.ti.əʊ æd əbˈsɜː.dəm// noun

Definitions

Noun
  1. 1
    The method of disproving a statement by assuming the statement is true and, with that assumption, arriving at a blatant contradiction. uncountable, usually

    "“You, gentlemen, as representatives of that institution which recognizes only truths that are deduced from reductio ad absurdums will probably have no difficulty in perceiving the truth of this absurdity and hence be ready to excuse the outcome of it—my absence.”"

  2. 2
    (reduction to the absurd) a disproof by showing that the consequences of the proposition are absurd; or a proof of a proposition by showing that its negation leads to a contradiction wordnet

Etymology

Unadapted borrowing from Latin reductiō ad absurdum.

See also for "reductio ad absurdum"

Synonyms Antonyms Rhymes Sentences Translate Word Type Pronunciation Word Forms

Next best steps

Find stronger synonymsSee usage examplesCheck pronunciation

Mini challenge

Want a quick game? Try Word Finder.