despropósito

absurdity

noun des-proh-POH-see-toh Rare

Also means

nonsense

Usage Note

Despropósito refers to something said or done that is wildly inappropriate, absurd, or out of place — stronger than a mere mistake. It often collocates with decir un despropósito ('to say something outrageous'). The prefix des- negates propósito ('purpose'), so it literally suggests something without purpose or sense.

Examples

"Lo que dijo en la reunión fue un despropósito."

Natural Translation

What he said at the meeting was an absurdity.

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