abderian
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1 inclined to foolish laughter (adj.) C2 Proficiency Literary Archaicdescribing someone who laughs all the time, especially in a foolish or silly way.
characterised by incessant or foolish laughter; often used in a literary context to describe a mocking or cynical attitude toward human folly.
ExampleHis Abderian laughter at the serious meeting made everyone feel uncomfortable.
ExampleThe critic dismissed the politician's proposal with Abderian scorn, finding the entire situation more absurd than tragic.
UsageUsually placed before the noun it modifies.
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2 relating to Abdera (adj.) C2 Proficiency Formal Technicalrelated to the ancient Greek city of Abdera or the people who lived there.
pertaining to the ancient Thracian city of Abdera, its inhabitants, or its schools of philosophy.
ExampleThe museum has a collection of Abderian coins from the fifth century.
ExampleScholars often contrast the Abderian school of philosophy with the more somber traditions of other Greek city-states.
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3 a person from Abdera (n.) C2 Proficiency Formal Technicala person who was born in or lived in the ancient city of Abdera.
a native or inhabitant of the ancient Greek city of Abdera.
ExampleDemocritus was a famous Abderian who believed that everything was made of atoms.
ExampleThe ancient Greeks often told jokes about the supposed stupidity of the Abderians, much like modern regional stereotypes.
From Abdera (“a town in Thrace”) + -ian.