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adjectiveadverb

lächerlich

ridiculous

Etwas, das so unsinnig oder übertrieben wirkt, dass andere darüber lachen oder es nicht ernst nehmen können.

Definition & meaning

Lächerlich means ridiculous, absurd, or laughable. It describes someone or something that seems so foolish, unreasonable, or inappropriate that it invites laughter or scorn.

It can also mean ridiculously small or inadequate, as in a sum of money that is considered far too low.

Grammar & Word origin

An adjective and adverb. Its comparative is lächerlicher, and its superlative is am lächerlichsten.

It is related to lachen (“to laugh”). The suffix -lich helps form adjectives, so the word originally conveys the idea of something that provokes laughter.

Synonyms & antonyms

Synonyms:

  • absurd — absurd or illogical; it emphasizes a lack of sense rather than the potential for ridicule.
  • albern — silly or childish; often less harsh than lächerlich.
  • läppisch — trivial or paltry; especially useful for something seen as inadequately small.

Antonyms:

  • ernst — serious, rather than laughable.
  • vernünftig — reasonable or sensible, rather than foolish.

Common phrases & collocations

  • sich lächerlich machen — to make a fool of oneself.
  • etwas ins Lächerliche ziehen — to ridicule something or make it seem absurd.
  • ein lächerlicher Preis — a ridiculously low price.

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Examples

Diese Situation ist einfach lächerlich.adjective

This situation is simply ridiculous.

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