absurd alternative

[əbˈsɜrd ɔːlˈtɜrnətɪv]
noun phrasepl: absurd alternatives
alternativa absurda
1. A choice or option that is illogical, ridiculous, or contrary to reason and common sense
Choosing between losing his job or compromising his ethics presented him with an absurd alternative.
Escolher entre perder seu emprego ou comprometer sua ética apresentava-lhe uma alternativa absurda.
2. A philosophical concept emphasizing the conflict between human desire for meaning and the universe's apparent meaninglessness
Camus explored the absurd alternative in his essay on the human condition.
Camus explorou a alternativa absurda em seu ensaio sobre a condição humana.
The concept of 'absurd alternative' is particularly significant in existentialist philosophy, influenced by European thinkers like Albert Camus and Jean-Paul Sartre. In both American and Brazilian contexts, it's used to describe impossible choices or situations lacking logical resolution, reflecting modern existential anxiety and the search for meaning in an uncertain world.
NYC Slang
crazy choice / bonkers option
Synonyms / Sinônimos
ridiculous optionillogical choicenonsensical alternativepreposterous optionirrational choice
Antonyms / Antônimos
logical alternativereasonable choicesensible optionrational alternative

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
alternativa absurda
Standard usage throughout Brazil
Rio de Janeiro
alternativa absurda / opção maluca
May use more colloquial terms in casual speech
São Paulo
alternativa absurda
Formal and standard usage
Portugal
alternativa absurda
Same as Brazilian Portuguese; common in philosophical contexts

Related Words

absurdismparadoxcontradictiondilemmaexistentialismirrationality

Related Idioms & Phrases

between a rock and a hard place
damned if you do, damned if you don't
caught in an absurd situation
Sophie's choice
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