How to pronounce absurdity
Say it like ub-SUR-duh-tee. Absurdity has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (SUR).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce absurdity. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- ub
- SUR
- duh
- tee
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Absurdity 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.
- SURSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "ur" in nurse.
- duhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- teeKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "ee" in see.
American vs British pronunciation of absurdity
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
- Americans usually soften the t in the middle into a quick d-like tap; British speakers keep a crisp t.
British respelling: ub-SUR-dih-tee.
What does absurdity mean?
- That which is absurd; an absurd action; a logical contradiction.
- The quality of being absurd or inconsistent with obvious truth, reason, or sound judgment.
Where does absurdity come from?
First attested around 1472.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
- ridiculousness
Questions about saying absurdity
How do you pronounce absurdity?
Say ub-SUR-duh-tee. The American pronunciation is /əbˈsɝdəti/. In British English it is /əbˈsɜːdɪti/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in absurdity?
Absurdity has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (SUR). Broken into parts: ub · SUR · duh · tee.
Is absurdity 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 /əbˈsɜːdɪti/ (ub-SUR-dih-tee).