altogether absurd

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "altogether absurd" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is completely ridiculous or nonsensical. Example: "The idea that we could solve the problem overnight was altogether absurd."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

It wasn't an altogether absurd idea that "[title of show]" might get to Broadway; Mr. McCollum and the writers had discussed it from time to time.

The New York Times

The idea is not altogether absurd". So, in less than a year, the relationship between Hume and Rousseau had gone from love to mockery by way of fear and loathing.

The Guardian - Books

"Extreme sympathy with misfortunes which we know nothing about, seems altogether absurd and unreasonable," Smith wrote, dismissing "those whining and melancholy moralists, who are perpetually reproaching us with our happiness, while so many of our brethren are in misery".

The New York Times

It is, too, altogether absurd to discuss Refutation without first discussing Proof: for a refutation is a proof, so that one ought to discuss proof as well before describing false refutation: for a refutation of that kind is a merely apparent proof of the contradictory of a thesis.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

It's completely absurd.

Yale University

It's all absurd.

Independent

The vision of Dylan and Stanton jogging together seems altogether too absurd, but I let it pass.

The Guardian - Film

Today is, of course, also Super Bowl media day, which is altogether more absurd than anything staged by an oversize rodent.

The New York Times

The clunky equipment and cold war paranoia all seems absurd and dated now, but although the KGB fled the Viru, it never altogether left Estonia.

The Guardian

How much more satisfactory to change the concept of marriage altogether, dispense with the absurd all or nothing idea of life time commitment, and get married for the day!

The Guardian - Opinion

Towards the end of his career, Grainger ceased conventional composition altogether in an attempt to bypass the "absurd goose-stepping" of standard notation.

The Guardian - Music

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the context when using "altogether absurd". It's suitable for formal writing where a slightly elevated tone is appropriate, but might be too strong for casual conversation.

Common error

Avoid using "altogether absurd" in situations that require nuanced criticism or when addressing sensitive topics. The phrase's strong connotation of ridicule can undermine the intended message and alienate the audience.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "altogether absurd" functions as an adjectival phrase, modifying a noun to express a strong degree of incredulity or ridicule. Ludwig shows that it's used to dismiss something as not just unreasonable, but completely nonsensical.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

25%

Science

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "altogether absurd" is a grammatically correct adjectival phrase used to describe something utterly ridiculous or nonsensical. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's suitable for formal and neutral writing contexts, frequently appearing in news and academic sources. While not extremely common, the phrase effectively conveys a strong sense of disbelief or rejection. Alternatives include "completely ridiculous" or "utterly preposterous", offering similar meanings with slightly different nuances.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

completely ridiculous

Replaces "altogether" with "completely" and "absurd" with "ridiculous", emphasizing the lack of reason.

utterly preposterous

Substitutes both words for stronger synonyms suggesting extreme foolishness.

totally nonsensical

Emphasizes the lack of sense or logic in something.

absolutely ludicrous

Highlights the absurdity to the point of being laughable.

entirely unreasonable

Focuses on the lack of reason or justification.

patently absurd

Uses "patently" to stress the obviousness of the absurdity.

thoroughly farcical

Implies that the situation is so absurd it resembles a farce.

simply insane

Replaces "absurd" with "insane" for a stronger, more emotional reaction.

plainly ridiculous

Uses "plainly" to emphasize the obviousness of the ridiculousness.

manifestly foolish

Highlights the obvious and foolish nature of something.

FAQs

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

You can use "altogether absurd" to describe something that is completely ridiculous or nonsensical. For example: "The suggestion that we could finish the project in a day was "altogether absurd"."

What are some alternatives to "altogether absurd"?

Alternatives include "completely ridiculous", "utterly preposterous", or "totally nonsensical", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "altogether absurd" a formal or informal phrase?

"Altogether absurd" is suitable for formal writing due to its slightly elevated tone, but it can also be used in neutral contexts. It might be too strong for casual conversation.

What's the difference between "altogether absurd" and "slightly absurd"?

"Altogether absurd" implies something is completely and utterly ridiculous, while "slightly absurd" suggests something is only somewhat odd or unreasonable.