The correct spelling of the phrase "make absurd" is [meɪk əbˈsɜrd]. The first part of the word, "make," is spelled with a silent "e" to indicate that the "a" sound is long. The second word, "absurd," is spelled with the letters "bs" to emphasize the sound of the "b" before the "s." The stress is placed on the second syllable, indicated by the apostrophe in the phonetic transcription, to show the emphasis on the "surd" sound.
To "make absurd" is an idiomatic expression that refers to the act of deliberately or unintentionally transforming a situation, statement, action, or belief into something illogical, ridiculous, or foolish. It involves distorting or misrepresenting the facts, leading to an outcome that lacks rationality or common sense.
When someone "makes absurd" something, they are essentially introducing elements or ideas that undermine the coherence, seriousness, or validity of a particular concept or argument. This can be achieved through various means, such as using exaggerated or absurd exaggerations, logical fallacies, or deviating from the norms of reason, rationality, or societal expectations.
Making something absurd can lead to confusion, disbelief, or ridicule, as it challenges the logical reasoning and expectations of others. It often serves as a form of criticism, parody, or satire, highlighting the flaws or contradictions within a particular idea, statement, or action. By exaggerating or distorting certain aspects, the intention behind making something absurd may be to expose the irrationality, absurdity, or inherent weaknesses of that thing.
However, it is crucial to note that making something absurd does not necessarily involve intentional mockery or disrespect. Rather, it is primarily a tool employed to emphasize the flaws or contradictions within a concept or statement, in order to prompt critical thinking or awareness.
The phrase "make absurd" originates from the combination of the word "make" and the adjective "absurd". Here is the etymology of both words:
1. Make: The word "make" can be traced back to Middle English, where it was spelled as "maken" or "macian". These forms are derived from the Old English word "macian", meaning "to construct or prepare". The Old English term can be further traced back to the Proto-Germanic word "*makōną", which shares the same meaning.
2. Absurd: The word "absurd" was borrowed into English from the Latin adjective "absurdus". In Latin, "absurdus" meant "dissonant, out of tune", and it derived from "ab-" (meaning "away, from") and "surdus" (meaning "deaf, dull, silent").