"Ridiculous" - what an ambiguous word. Please help to understand [closed]
I've been trying to understand the meaning of "ridiculous", but I am still confused. I can see it is used in both positive or negative ways.
When someone likes something, they say with a smile and a happy look - "That's ridiculous".
When someone dislikes something, they say furiously, as if complaining. Or laughing at something - "That's ridiculous".
How can I make the distinction between the two uses?
Solution 1:
Dictionary.com https://www.dictionary.com/browse/ridiculous defines ridiculous as
causing or worthy of ridicule or derision; absurd; preposterous; laughable
The original meaning is "causing or worthy of ridicule", but the word is now often used to mean "absurd" without a strong negative connotation. This allows for the slang meaning, again from Dictionary.com, of
absurdly or unbelievably good, bad, crazy, etc.
It is possible for both meanings to be carried together, as in
It is ridiculous how well he did in that test.
which may mean he is very able or that the test was very easy, or both.
Solution 2:
I am a non-native English speaker, and you are not alone in getting confused.
However, we have two clues to help us get less confused:
- Look at the content
You should look at the expression in the content it is said. If it is used in negative/ positive content, it also probably means something negative/ positive.
E.g., That is ridiculous! He has no authority to threaten his students. (negative)
E.g., That is ridiculous! I can't believe she has passed all of her exams without even an hour of study. (positive-showing surprise)
- Listen to the tone
This is even more important than the first clue. Pay careful attention to how the speaker says the expression. Does it show sadness? Does it show surprise? Does it show praising?
Finally, don't be afraid if you couldn't understand the speaker's message. You can always politely ask, "Excuse me, I didn't get your point! What is ridiculous?"
Give yourself some time, and you will become more experienced over time.