ad absurdum
/ad əbˈsəːdəm/ /ad abˈsəːdəm/(also ad absurdem)
adverb
To the point of absurdity; so as to demonstrate that the consequence of making a particular assumption is something absurd or contradictory; (also more generally) to an absurd or extreme degree.
adjective
Designating a method of demonstrating the falsity of a hypothesis by showing that the consequence of assuming it to be true is something absurd or contradictory; relating to or characteristic of such a hypothesis or demonstration.
Origin
Mid 17th century; earliest use found in John Evelyn (1620–1706), diarist and writer. From classical Latin ad to + absurdum, use as noun of neuter of absurdus, in various post-classical Latin renderings of ancient Greek ἡ εἰς ἄτοπον ἀπαγωγή reduction to the absurd (Euclid).
- offline
- offload
- off-lying
- off-market
- off-message
- off-microphone
- off-mike
- off-network
- Off-Off
- off-off-Broadway
- off-off Broadway
- off-off-off Broadway
- off one's chump
- off one's face
- off one's feed
- off one's feet
- off one's nana
- off one's nut
- off one's own bat
- off one's rocker
- off one's scone
- off one's trolley
- off (or on) one's game
- off (or on) the bone
- off (or on) the bridle