B2 Collocation Neutral 3 Min. Lesezeit

indéniablement irrationnel

indéniablement irrationnel

Wörtlich: indéniablement (undeniably) irrationnel (irrational)

Use this to describe situations where logic is completely absent and everyone can see it.

In 15 Sekunden

  • Describes something that is completely and obviously illogical.
  • Combines 'undeniably' with 'irrational' for a strong, clear critique.
  • Common in debates, venting about policies, or discussing phobias.

Bedeutung

This phrase describes something that is completely and obviously illogical. You use it when a situation, a decision, or a feeling defies all common sense and nobody can argue otherwise.

Wichtige Beispiele

3 von 6
1

Talking about a phobia

Ma peur des pigeons est indéniablement irrationnelle, mais je ne peux pas m'en empêcher.

My fear of pigeons is undeniably irrational, but I can't help it.

😊
2

Discussing a strange law

Cette nouvelle réglementation est indéniablement irrationnelle pour les petits commerçants.

This new regulation is undeniably irrational for small business owners.

💼
3

Texting a friend about a crush

Je sais que l'aimer est indéniablement irrationnel, il ne me rappelle jamais !

I know loving him is undeniably irrational, he never calls me back!

💭
🌍

Kultureller Hintergrund

The French education system heavily emphasizes philosophy and formal logic. Consequently, calling out 'irrationality' is a common rhetorical move in French public life and media. It reflects the cultural value placed on 'la raison' (reason) as the foundation of society.

💡

The 'Intellectual' Shortcut

If you want to sound like a Parisian intellectual, use this phrase instead of just saying 'c'est bête'. It shows you are analyzing the logic of the situation.

⚠️

Watch the Agreement

Don't forget to add an 'e' if you are describing something feminine like 'une peur' or 'une idée'. French grammar never sleeps!

In 15 Sekunden

  • Describes something that is completely and obviously illogical.
  • Combines 'undeniably' with 'irrational' for a strong, clear critique.
  • Common in debates, venting about policies, or discussing phobias.

What It Means

This phrase is the ultimate way to call out nonsense. It combines indéniablement (which means there is no room for doubt) with irrationnel (which means logic has left the building). When you use this, you aren't just saying something is 'weird.' You are stating that it is objectively impossible to justify with reason. It is the verbal equivalent of throwing your hands up in the air because a situation makes zero sense.

How To Use It

You will mostly use this as a descriptive block after a verb like être (to be) or sembler (to seem). Because irrationnel is an adjective, you need to match it to the noun you're talking about. If you're talking about a decision (une décision), it becomes indéniablement irrationnelle. It sounds slightly sophisticated but is very common in both spoken and written French. Think of it as a way to add weight to your observation.

When To Use It

Use it when you’re venting about a bizarre company policy. It’s perfect for describing human emotions, like falling in love with someone who is clearly wrong for you. You can use it in a debate to shut down a weak argument. It also works great when talking about superstitions or phobias. If your friend is afraid of a tiny ladybug, that is indéniablement irrationnel.

When NOT To Use It

Avoid using this for simple mistakes. If someone adds 2+2 and gets 5, they are just wrong, not necessarily irrationnel. Don't use it if you want to be gentle. Calling someone's behavior irrationnel can feel a bit cold or clinical. It’s a strong word, so don't waste it on minor inconveniences like a late bus. Save it for the truly head-scratching moments.

Cultural Background

France is the land of René Descartes and the 'esprit cartésien' (logical mind). In French culture, being logical is a point of pride. Calling something irrationnel is actually a pretty heavy critique in a French context. It implies that the thing or person has failed the basic test of 'bon sens' (common sense). By adding indéniablement, you are saying the lack of logic is so clear that it’s a universal truth.

Common Variations

You might hear totalement irrationnel or complètement absurde. If you want to sound even more intellectual, you could say profondément illogique. In slang, you might just say c'est n'importe quoi, but indéniablement irrationnel gives you that 'intellectual on a terrace' vibe that feels so French.

Nutzungshinweise

This phrase sits in the neutral to formal register. It is highly effective in arguments or when providing an objective critique of a situation. Remember to match the gender and number of 'irrationnel' to the subject.

💡

The 'Intellectual' Shortcut

If you want to sound like a Parisian intellectual, use this phrase instead of just saying 'c'est bête'. It shows you are analyzing the logic of the situation.

⚠️

Watch the Agreement

Don't forget to add an 'e' if you are describing something feminine like 'une peur' or 'une idée'. French grammar never sleeps!

💬

The Cartesian Connection

French people value 'la clarté' (clarity). Calling something 'irrationnel' is a common way to signal that a conversation has become too messy or confusing for them.

Beispiele

6
#1 Talking about a phobia
😊

Ma peur des pigeons est indéniablement irrationnelle, mais je ne peux pas m'en empêcher.

My fear of pigeons is undeniably irrational, but I can't help it.

Here, it describes a personal feeling that the speaker knows makes no sense.

#2 Discussing a strange law
💼

Cette nouvelle réglementation est indéniablement irrationnelle pour les petits commerçants.

This new regulation is undeniably irrational for small business owners.

A more formal use critiquing a policy or rule.

#3 Texting a friend about a crush
💭

Je sais que l'aimer est indéniablement irrationnel, il ne me rappelle jamais !

I know loving him is undeniably irrational, he never calls me back!

Using the phrase to describe the 'logic' of the heart.

#4 Reacting to a price hike
😄

Payer 15 euros pour une bouteille d'eau ? C'est indéniablement irrationnel.

Paying 15 euros for a bottle of water? That is undeniably irrational.

A common way to complain about something absurdly expensive.

#5 In a formal debate
👔

Votre argument repose sur une prémisse qui est indéniablement irrationnelle.

Your argument is based on a premise that is undeniably irrational.

Used to point out a flaw in someone else's logic.

#6 Observing market trends
💼

La réaction de la bourse ce matin semble indéniablement irrationnelle.

The stock market's reaction this morning seems undeniably irrational.

Professional context describing unpredictable behavior.

Teste dich selbst

Choose the correct form of the adjective to match the noun 'décision' (feminine).

Cette décision prise par le patron est indéniablement ___.

✓ Richtig! ✗ Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort: irrationnelle

Since 'décision' is a feminine noun, the adjective 'irrationnel' must take an 'e' at the end to become 'irrationnelle'.

Which adverb best fits the meaning of 'without a doubt'?

C'est ___ irrationnel de sortir sans manteau par ce froid.

✓ Richtig! ✗ Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort: indéniablement

'Indéniablement' emphasizes that the lack of logic is obvious and certain.

🎉 Ergebnis: /2

Visuelle Lernhilfen

Formality of 'Indéniablement Irrationnel'

Informal

Using 'C'est n'importe quoi' with friends.

C'est n'importe quoi ce prix !

Neutral

Using 'Indéniablement irrationnel' in conversation.

C'est indéniablement irrationnel comme choix.

Formal

Using it in an essay or business report.

La stratégie adoptée est indéniablement irrationnelle.

Where to use 'Indéniablement Irrationnel'

indéniablement irrationnel
💼

At the Office

Discussing a weird new HR policy.

With Friends

Talking about a friend's weird superstition.

💰

Shopping

Reacting to an insane price tag.

❤️

In a Relationship

Admitting your own jealousy makes no sense.

Häufig gestellte Fragen

10 Fragen

Not at all! While it sounds smart, French people use 'irrationnel' quite often in casual debates over coffee to describe things they find absurd.

Yes, you can say Il est indéniablement irrationnel, but be careful—it's quite a strong judgment on their character or mental state.

The feminine form is indéniablement irrationnelle. You just add an 'e' at the end of irrationnel.

Yes, in this collocation, the adverb indéniablement almost always precedes the adjective irrationnel to modify it.

You could just say C'est illogique, but it doesn't have the same punch or emphasis as indéniablement irrationnel.

Yes, it is perfectly appropriate for professional contexts, especially when discussing data or strategies that don't align with facts.

The opposite would be parfaitement logique or tout à fait rationnel.

A little bit! Using indéniablement adds a touch of drama, which is very common in French expressive speech.

Absolutely. Using big, serious words for small, silly things is a classic form of French irony.

It is spelled with two 'r's: irrationnel. It follows the same pattern as the English 'irrational'.

Verwandte Redewendungen

C'est du grand n'importe quoi

This is total nonsense (very common/informal)

Dénué de sens

Devoid of meaning / makes no sense

Contre-intuitif

Counter-intuitive

Absurde

Absurd

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