nonsense
gb/nˈɑnsɛns/ us/nˈɑnsɛns/
B1
English
~ 3800
Senses
0 senses
Noun
B1
entity
1
foolish or meaningless talk
Words or ideas that are silly or do not make sense.
Usage pattern:
[someone] talks [nonsense]
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'nonsense' with 'no sense'. 'Nonsense' is a noun meaning foolish talk, while 'no sense' is a phrase used to say something is not logical.
Synonyms
rubbish (Informal British English term for ideas or talk considered worthless or untrue.)
|
gibberish (Talk or writing that is completely unintelligible, often due to meaningless sounds.)
Antonyms
truth (Represents accurate or factual information, the opposite of false or meaningless talk.)
|
sense (Speech or ideas that are logical and reasonable.)
Collocations
talk nonsense
|utter nonsense
|complete nonsense
|load of nonsense
|nonsense talk
Themes
communication
|judgment
|daily life
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- Everything he said about the project was pure nonsense.
- Stop talking nonsense and listen for a moment.
- Her claim that she can predict the future is complete nonsense.
- I don't believe that story—it's nonsense.
- That argument is nonsense and doesn't hold up.
Learner examples
- He talks nonsense when he is tired.
- This story is nonsense.
- I think his idea is nonsense.
- She says nonsense when she is angry.
Noun
B1
entity
2
foolish or unacceptable thing
Something that is silly, bad, or not acceptable.
Usage pattern:
call [something] nonsense
Synonyms
absurdity (Highlights the ridiculous or illogical nature of something.)
|
folly (Emphasizes poor judgment in an action or idea.)
Antonyms
reasonableness (Refers to being fair, sensible, and appropriate.)
Collocations
put up with nonsense
|no-nonsense approach
|enough of this nonsense
Themes
judgment
|daily life
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- We shouldn't have to put up with this nonsense at work.
- The teacher refused to tolerate any nonsense in class.
- I’ve had enough of your nonsense for one day.
- This new policy is complete nonsense and will never work.
Learner examples
- I will not take this nonsense.
- She does not like any nonsense at work.
- He thinks the rule is nonsense.
Grammar
Dictionary form
nonsense
IPA
GB/nˈɑnsɛns/
US/nˈɑnsɛns/
Syllables & stress
non - sense (2 syllables)
Stress on 1st syllable (non)
Word forms
Noun
- Base: nonsense
- Plural: nonsense
Word family
Expressions
a load of nonsense
1/ə lˈoʊd əv nˈɑnsɛns/
fixed phrase
informal
a lot of foolish talk
A lot of silly or false ideas or words.
Examples
- That story is a load of nonsense.
- What he told you is just a load of nonsense.
cut the nonsense
1/kˈʌt ðə nˈɑnsɛns/
fixed phrase
informal
stop foolish behavior or talk
To stop saying or doing silly things.
Examples
- Cut the nonsense and get back to work.
- Let’s cut the nonsense and focus on the problem.
no-nonsense
1/nˈoʊ nˈɑnsɛns/
fixed phrase
practical and direct attitude
Being serious and clear, not allowing silly behavior.
Examples
- She has a no-nonsense approach to management.
- The coach is known for his no-nonsense style.
talk nonsense
1/tˈɔk nˈɑnsɛns/
fixed phrase
say things that are foolish or untrue
To say things that are silly, wrong, or do not make sense.
Examples
- He talks nonsense when he’s nervous.
- Don’t talk nonsense; you know that’s not true.