ad absurdum

[ ad ab-sur-duhm ]

adverb

1. to the point of absurdity.

ad absurdum

1. An argument whereby one seeks to prove one's position by pointing out the absurdity or foolishness of an opponent's position. Also, an argument carried to such lengths that it becomes silly or ridiculous. From Latin , meaning “to absurdity.”

Word History and Origins

Origin of ad absurdum¹

First recorded in 1650–60; from Latin: literally, “to (the) absurd”

Example Sentences

It would be only fitting, the reductio ad absurdum of our divided age, for this election to take two extra months.

From The Daily Beast

As symbol, Phelps was the reductio ad absurdum of many conservative beliefs.

From The Daily Beast

Palermo practiced a reductio ad absurdum without quite becoming absurd.

From The Daily Beast

It seeks to establish truth by refuting error through the reductio ad absurdum.

From Project Gutenberg

And so Gersonides proceeds to demolish Maimonides's position by reducing it ad absurdum.

From Project Gutenberg

He is to biology what the late Camille Flammarion was to astronomy, which is to say, its court jester and reductio ad absurdum.

From Project Gutenberg

Not even the transformed "Tom Thumb" could be called an effective reductio ad absurdum of the Italian opera of those days.

From Project Gutenberg

His pictures look like a visible reductio ad absurdum of it all.

From Project Gutenberg