What is absurdist? How to use in English

Definition & pronunciation of absurdist

absurdistnoun

người vô lý

/əbˈsɜːdɪst//əbˈsɜːrdɪst/

Where does the word absurdist come from?

The term "absurdist" comes from the French word "absurde," which means "absurd." The term was coined by the philosopher Martin Heidegger in the 1920s to describe the idea that human existence is inherently absurd. In the 1950s, French philosopher Albert Camus popularized the term "absurde" in his work "The Myth of Sisyphus," where he argued that the search for meaning in life is ultimately futile and absurd. Camus's work influenced a group of writers, known as the absurdists, who began to write about the absurdity of human existence. These writers, such as Samuel Beckett, Jean Genet, and Harold Pinter, created works that explored the absurdity of human condition, often through unconventional narratives, anti-hero characters, and a rejection of traditional notions of truth and reality. Today, the term "absurdist" is used to describe not only literary and philosophical movements but also artistic and cultural expressions that challenge societal norms and conventions.

Example of vocabulary absurdistnamespace

  • The playwright's latest work is a classic example of absurdist theater, with illogical plots, nonsensical dialogue, and surrealistic elements that defy conventional theatrical conventions.
  • The absurdist play left the audience scratching their heads, wondering if they were actually watching a parody or a purposeful display of absurdity.
  • In an absurdist twist, the main character of the novel suddenly transforms into a Mr. Potato Head doll midway through the story, leaving the reader bewildered and amused alike.
  • The absurdist humor in the sketch show had the audience laughing hysterically at the nonsensical situations and outlandish characters.
  • The author's use of absurdist imagery and symbolism in the poem gave it a haunting, dreamlike quality that challenged the reader's perception of reality.

Synonyms and related words for absurdist


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