absurd hope

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "absurd hope" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a hope that seems unreasonable or unlikely to be fulfilled. Example: "Despite the overwhelming odds against them, she held onto her absurd hope that they would find a way to succeed."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

In these films, Fosse, a former dancer, spoke from the performer's perspective, a vantage point of torn ligaments and absurd hope.

The New Yorker

This attitude caused a serious misjudgment of the political forces in England, leading to the absurd hope of placing the infanta Isabella on the English throne upon the death of Elizabeth I.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Tony Blair went out of his way to praise her determination and even Gordon Brown made a point of visiting her in the now absurd hope he would come to be seen as an equal figure of integrity and courage.

The Guardian

Patel had been working for Cheney then, and it was he who recommended giving the Caller-Times the scoop, perhaps in the absurd hope that the incident would pass with little notice.

The New Yorker

It's strange, then, to read Hanson writing as if the fear of violent crime were mainly a "white or Asian" problem, about which African-Americans might be uninformed, or unconcerned — as if African-American parents weren't already giving their children more detailed and nuanced versions of Hanson's "sermon," sharing his earnest and absurd hope that the right words might keep trouble at bay.

The New Yorker

I'd always held out some absurd hope that he'd reunite with Rachel Menken, his wise, sympathetic mistress from the first season — so when she walked into Don's office in a fur coat in this episode, in a modelling scenario that mirrored the opening scene, I was thrilled (there she was!) and confused (this makes no sense!).

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

The reasons for human suffering were innate and individual, not accidental and social, and it was absurd to hope to make "a joyful, happy race" from "many wretched and unhappy persons".

The New Yorker

Beyond the fact that it's absurd to hope that Mr. Putin's approach is likely to benefit American interests, giving way to Russia's policy would, in effect, entail abandoning the fight against the Islamic State in Syria.

The New York Times

It was absurd to hope for an empty cab in rain like this, most likely the driver had simply forgotten to turn it off, but Mallon ran out waving his arm and the cab veered sharply to the curb, sending a comber of water over his shoes.

The New Yorker

Brendel, literary and pianistic master of the musical absurd, would, I hope, approve.

The Guardian - Music

Saul H. Berkowitz THE THEATER OF THE ABSURD Let's hope it's not more deja vu Like Y2K (oh dear!) Coming soon at a place near you -- 2001: the year.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "absurd hope" to describe situations where the hope is maintained despite overwhelming evidence to the contrary, creating a sense of irony or tragicomedy.

Common error

Avoid using "absurd hope" in contexts that require a genuinely positive or encouraging tone. The phrase carries a strong sense of irony or disbelief, which can undermine sincerity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "absurd hope" functions as a noun phrase, where the adjective "absurd" modifies the noun "hope". According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is used to describe a situation where hope persists despite being unreasonable or unlikely.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Encyclopedias

15%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

"Absurd hope" is a grammatically correct phrase used to describe a hope that seems unreasonable or unlikely to be fulfilled. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it often carries a sense of irony or tragicomedy. While the phrase is valid, as evidenced by its usage in reputable sources like The New Yorker and The Guardian, its frequency is uncommon. It's important to use it judiciously, avoiding overly serious or positive contexts where its ironic undertones might be inappropriate. Alternatives like "futile hope" or "unrealistic expectation" may be more suitable depending on the desired nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

futile hope

Emphasizes the pointlessness of the hope, suggesting it has no chance of succeeding.

unrealistic expectation

Focuses on the expectation being detached from reality.

groundless optimism

Highlights the lack of a solid foundation for the optimistic outlook.

irrational hope

Suggests the hope defies logic or reason.

fool's hope

Implies the hope is naive and destined for disappointment.

vain hope

Highlights the fruitlessness and ultimate disappointment of the hope.

delusional expectation

Emphasizes a stronger sense of unreality and detachment from facts.

pipe dream

Indicates the hope is an unrealistic fantasy unlikely to ever materialize.

false dawn

Suggests a misleading sign of hope that ultimately leads to disappointment.

empty promise

Focuses on the deception inherent in a hope that cannot be fulfilled.

FAQs

How can I use "absurd hope" in a sentence?

You can use "absurd hope" to describe a situation where someone maintains hope despite overwhelming evidence to the contrary. For example: "Despite the company's dire financial situation, the CEO clung to an "absurd hope" of a miraculous turnaround."

What are some alternatives to "absurd hope"?

Alternatives include "futile hope", "unrealistic expectation", or "irrational hope", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to use "absurd hope"?

Yes, "absurd hope" is grammatically correct as it combines an adjective ("absurd") with a noun ("hope") in a standard English construction.

What's the difference between "absurd hope" and "blind faith"?

"Absurd hope" suggests a hope that is unreasonable given the circumstances, while "blind faith" implies belief without evidence. While both can be irrational, "blind faith" focuses more on the belief itself, whereas "absurd hope" emphasizes the unlikelihood of the desired outcome.