What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
nonsense
Example
Don't listen to him, he's talking nonsense. [nonsense: noun]
Example
The politician's speech was full of nonsense and contradictions. [nonsense: adjective]
absurdity
Example
The idea that the earth is flat is an absurdity. [absurdity: noun]
Example
The play was full of absurdity and surrealism. [absurdity: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Nonsense is more commonly used than absurdity in everyday language, as it is a more versatile term that can be used in various contexts. Absurdity, on the other hand, is often used in more formal or literary contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between nonsense and absurdity?
Absurdity is generally considered more formal than nonsense, as it is often used in academic or literary contexts. However, both words can be used in both formal and informal settings depending on the context and tone of the conversation.