French Conversation · Level 101
60 words
French word
insensé
Pronunciation
IPA/ɛ̃sɑ̃se/
Meaning
- adjectiveabsurd
Example
C'est insensé.
That's absurd.
More examples
Le projet est insensé.
The project is absurd.
Core concept
A person, plan, or act that ignores ordinary judgment and sensible limits.
Common phrases
un comportement insensé
absurd behavior
un projet insensé
an absurd project
Similar words
absurde: Contradictory and irrational, with no clear basis in logic or common sense.
bête: Silly and unintelligent, reflecting weak judgment or understanding.
irréfléchi: Careless and thoughtless, done before considering the likely results.
dément: Extremely irrational and uncontrolled, far beyond what seems normal.
Definition in French
Qui paraît déraisonnable ou absurde, montrant un manque de sens ou de prudence.
Word origin
French insensé is inherited through French from Latin insensus, built from in- 'not' and sensus 'sense or judgment', with its meaning later matching the opposite of sensé.
Usage tips
- Insensé often expresses strong criticism or astonishment, so it can sound harsher than the more neutral déraisonnable.
Other meanings
- recklessadjective
- meaninglessadjective
- foolishadjective
Opposites
- raisonnablereasonableadjective