absurdity

The story

1. Latin · derived fromabsurdus
2. Late Latin · derived fromabsurditas“dissonance, incongruity”
3. Middle French · derived fromabsurdité
4. Middle English · inherited fromabsurdite
5. English todayabsurdity

First attested around 1472. From Middle English absurdite, then from either Middle French absurdité, or from Late Latin absurditas (“dissonance, incongruity”), from Latin absurdus + -itas (“quality, state, degree”). Equivalent to absurd + -ity.

Words from the same roots

First known use, by meaning

• First attested in the late 15ᵗʰ century. That which is absurd; an absurd action; a logical contradiction.
• First attested in the early 16ᵗʰ century. The quality of being absurd or inconsistent with obvious truth, reason, or sound judgment.
• Attested from around 1350 to 1470 until the late 17ᵗʰ century. Dissonance.