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nonsensical

adjective

/nɒnsensɪkəl/

IPA:

Dictionary definition of nonsensical

Lacking logic, reason, or coherence, often appearing absurd or meaningless.
"The website's terms and conditions were written in such a nonsensical manner that users had no idea what they were agreeing to."

Detailed meaning of nonsensical

It describes ideas, statements, actions, or situations that defy common sense or rational understanding. When something is described as nonsensical, it implies that it lacks a clear or logical connection to reality or that it contradicts established principles. Nonsensical elements can be confusing, illogical, or irrational, leaving observers perplexed or unable to make sense of them. This adjective is used to characterize concepts or behaviors that appear to have no discernible purpose, purposefully or unintentionally disrupting the logical flow of thought or action.

Example sentences containing nonsensical

1. The professor's lecture on advanced physics seemed nonsensical to the students, who struggled to comprehend the complex concepts.
2. Holly's decision to wear flip-flops in the middle of a snowstorm was nonsensical and resulted in freezing toes.
3. The politician's nonsensical statements during the debate left the audience bewildered and questioning his credibility.
4. The plot of the movie was so nonsensical that it was difficult to follow or find any logical sequence of events.
5. John's explanation for his tardiness was nonsensical, claiming that his alarm clock had turned into a squirrel overnight.
6. The comedian's nonsensical jokes had the audience in stitches, finding humor in the absurdity of his punchlines.

History and etymology of nonsensical

The adjective 'nonsensical' can be deconstructed to reveal its etymological roots. It comprises two primary elements: 'non,' which signifies negation or absence, and 'sensical,' derived from 'sensible.' The term 'sensible' itself comes from the Latin word 'sensibilis,' meaning 'perceptible by the senses' or 'capable of being sensed.' Therefore, 'nonsensical' essentially means 'not sensible' or 'lacking in logic, reason, or coherence.' It describes something that appears absurd, meaningless, or devoid of any rational basis. The etymology of 'nonsensical' underscores its capacity to convey the absence of meaningful sense or logic, making it a suitable term to describe ideas, statements, or actions that defy reason and coherence.

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Further usage examples of nonsensical

1. The puzzle was filled with nonsensical clues that led to dead ends, frustrating the participants.
2. The toddler's nonsensical babbling delighted her parents, who found joy in her innocent expressions.
3. The advertisement made nonsensical claims about a magical potion that could reverse aging, causing skepticism among consumers.
4. The writer's attempt at a deep and meaningful poem ended up being a collection of nonsensical phrases strung together.
5. The game's rules were deliberately designed to be nonsensical, adding an element of randomness and unpredictability to the gameplay.
6. The professor's lecture was so convoluted and nonsensical that even the brightest students struggled to follow it.
7. Reading that book felt like wading through a sea of nonsensical metaphors and abstract concepts.
8. The company's decision to rebrand itself with a completely unrelated name seemed utterly nonsensical from a marketing perspective.
9. Their plan to build a skyscraper in the middle of a quiet residential neighborhood struck many as nonsensical and disruptive.
10. The political debate deteriorated into a series of nonsensical accusations and personal attacks, leaving viewers disillusioned.
11. It was a comedy show, but the humor often relied on nonsensical, absurd situations that left the audience in stitches.
12. The contract's terms were so nonsensical and one-sided that no sane person would agree to them.
13. Her attempts at explaining the complex scientific theory came across as nonsensical gibberish to the layperson.
14. The artist's abstract paintings were often criticized as being nonsensical and devoid of meaning.
15. The software update introduced a series of nonsensical errors and glitches that frustrated users.
16. The nonsensical riddle left everyone scratching their heads in confusion.
17. His attempt to fix the broken machine resulted in a series of nonsensical modifications.
18. The detective found the suspect's alibi to be completely nonsensical.
19. The dialogue in the play was so nonsensical that the audience struggled to connect with the characters.
20. Their argument escalated into a heated exchange of nonsensical accusations.
21. The politician's speech was filled with vague and nonsensical promises.
22. The children's book was filled with whimsical, nonsensical adventures that sparked their imagination.
23. The algorithm produced a nonsensical output due to a coding error.
24. The comedian's routine relied on a series of nonsensical, absurd scenarios that had the audience in stitches.
25. The decision to implement the new policy without any clear rationale seemed entirely nonsensical to the employees.