Cool MateAbsurd vs Getting to be a joke
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Absurd
Top 5,000 (fairly common)C1
Getting to be a joke
InformalBeyond 10,000 (less common)
Most formal: AbsurdMost common: Absurd
| Absurd | Getting to be a joke | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 //əbˈsɜːd//🇺🇸 //əbˈsɜrd// | 🇬🇧 //ˈɡɛtɪŋ tə bi: ə dʒəʊk//🇺🇸 //ˈɡɛtɪŋ tə bi: ə dʒoʊk// |
| Meaning | Something that is very unreasonable or silly. | Becoming funny in a bad way |
| Example | The idea that the earth is flat is absolutely absurd. | His excuses for being late are really just getting to be a joke. |
| Register | Neutral | Informal |
| How common | Top 5,000 (fairly common) | Beyond 10,000 (less common) |
| CEFR level | C1 | - |
| Collocations | absurd idea, absurd situation, absurd behavior | getting to be a joke, this is getting ridiculous, becoming a laughingstock |
| Antonyms | reasonable, sensible, logical | being respected, being taken seriously, being credible |
| Common mistakes | Using 'absurd' when 'ridiculous' is more appropriate., Confusing 'absurd' with 'absentee'., Overusing 'absurd' in less serious situations. | Using in serious contexts, Confusing with 'playing a joke', Using 'getting' interchangeably with 'becoming' |
| Usage notes | Used to describe something that is irrational or illogical. Often used in both formal and informal contexts, but may be less common in casual conversation. | Use when something becomes ridiculous. Usually informal settings; less appropriate for serious discussions. |
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Frequently asked questions: Absurd vs Getting to be a joke
What's the difference between Absurd and Getting to be a joke?
Absurd: Something that is very unreasonable or silly. Getting to be a joke: Becoming funny in a bad way
Which is more formal: Absurd and Getting to be a joke?
Absurd is the most formal of these.
Which is more common: Absurd and Getting to be a joke?
Absurd is the most common in everyday English.
Can you show an example of each?
Absurd: The idea that the earth is flat is absolutely absurd. Getting to be a joke: His excuses for being late are really just getting to be a joke.
Can I use Absurd and Getting to be a joke interchangeably?
Not always. Absurd and Getting to be a joke are related and overlap in some contexts, but they differ in register, how common they are, and usage, so swapping one for another can change the meaning or tone. Check the differences above before substituting.