risible
Say it: RIZ-uh-bul /ˈrɪzɪb(ə)l/ · adjective
What “risible” means
So ridiculous that it deserves to be laughed at.
More precisely: So ridiculous it deserves to be laughed at.
Example: “The offer was risible: half the asking price, and they wanted the furniture too.”
When to use it
Use it to dismiss something as laughably poor or ridiculous. It sounds formal and strongly critical.
Memory trick
Latin ridere means 'to laugh': something risible is laughable.
Similar words
laughable, ludicrous, absurd
Where it comes from
From Latin risibilis, from ridere, 'to laugh'.
Quick check
A builder proposes stopping a roof leak with one tiny sticking plaster. How would you describe this plan?
risible or ingenious?
Show the answer
risible
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