C1noun2K

Nonsense

UK /["/ˈnɒnsns/"]/US /["/ˈnɑːnsens//ˈnɑːnsns/"]/

Definition

ideas, statements or beliefs that you think are silly or not true

In simple words: Words or ideas that don't make sense.

Examples

  • The statement he made was complete nonsense and had no basis in reality.
  • The children loved reading books filled with whimsical nonsense and absurd stories.
  • His explanation sounded like nonsense to the experts, lacking any logical coherence.
  • The poem is a form of literary nonsense, using playful language and invented words.
  • Ignoring nonsense rumors can help you focus on what truly matters.

Usage notes

Use 'nonsense' to describe something silly or illogical. It's suitable for both casual and serious contexts, but can sound harsh if addressing someone's opinion directly.

Grammar pattern

adjective + nonsense

Memory hint

Think of 'non-sense' as something that makes no sense.

Collocations

  • absolute
  • arrant
  • complete
  • spout
  • talk
  • put up with
  • nonsense about
  • a load of nonsense
  • a lot of nonsense
  • make a nonsense of something
  • absolute
  • arrant
  • complete
  • spout
  • talk
  • put up with
  • nonsense about
  • a load of nonsense
  • a lot of nonsense
  • make a nonsense of something
  • absolute
  • arrant
  • complete
  • spout
  • talk
  • put up with
  • nonsense about
  • a load of nonsense
  • a lot of nonsense
  • make a nonsense of something

Synonyms

  • rubbish (3)

Antonyms

  • sense
  • reason
  • logic

Common mistakes

  • 'Nonsensical' is sometimes confused with 'nonessential' (they mean different things).
  • Some learners forget to use 'nonsense' as a noun (e.g., saying 'that's nonsense' instead of 'that is nonsensical').
  • Confusing 'nonsense' with 'gibberish' (which refers to incomprehensible speech).