How to pronounce absurd
Say it like ub-SURD. Absurd has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (SURD).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce absurd. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- ub
- SURD
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Absurd pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- ubKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- SURDSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "ur" in nurse.
American vs British pronunciation of absurd
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
British respelling: ub-SURD.
What does absurd mean?
- inconsistent with reason or logic or common sense“the absurd predicament of seeming to argue that virtue is highly desirable but intensely unpleasant”
- so unreasonable as to invite derision“the absurd excuse that the dog ate his homework”“that's a cockeyed idea”
- a situation in which life seems irrational and meaningless“The absurd is the essential concept and the first truth”
Where does absurd come from?
First attested in 1557.
Words that rhyme with absurd
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of absurd.
Questions about saying absurd
How do you pronounce absurd?
Say ub-SURD. The American pronunciation is /əbˈsɝd/. In British English it is /əbˈsɜːd/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in absurd?
Absurd has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (SURD). Broken into parts: ub · SURD.
Is absurd pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead. The British form is /əbˈsɜːd/ (ub-SURD).