What does surdity mean?
Surtity is a rare noun meaning deafness or the condition of being unable to hear. It is encountered mainly in older, literary, or medical writing rather than in ordinary contemporary conversation, where "deafness" and "hearing loss" are much more natural. In modern usage, the word does not imply a particular cause, severity, or type of hearing impairment; it denotes the condition itself. Although it now functions as an elevated or archaic term, its history connects it closely to the language of logic and mathematics. The adjective "surd" also means irrational or lacking a rational expression, while "absurd" originally conveyed the idea of something being away from reason. Consequently, surdity belongs to a wider family of English words concerned with deafness, irrationality, and the inability to perceive or express something clearly. It is consequently most useful when discussing historical language or specialized writing.
nounThe condition or state of being deaf; deafness.
- The state or condition of being deaf; deafness.
"The early medical record noted the patient's surdity but offered little explanation of its cause."
"Her surdity made it difficult for her to follow the conversation."
"The account describes the child's surdity in a clinical, largely impersonal manner."
The plural is rarely encountered because the headword itself is uncommon in modern English.
"The early texts describe several cases of surdities and their treatment."
The Latin word surdus meant both "deaf" and "irrational"; the latter sense survives in absurd, whose original idea was being "away from reason."
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does surdity come from?
The word comes from Latin surditas, a noun derived from surdus, meaning "deaf." The Latin root could also convey lack of perception or understanding, a sense reflected in the development of English words such as absurd. Surtity entered English as a formal learned noun and is now uncommon in modern usage.
How surdity is actually used
A very rare word in modern English, found chiefly in literary, historical, or specialized contexts. Contemporary speakers normally use "deafness" or "hearing loss" instead.
Easily confused with surdity
Surtity denotes deafness, whereas surety means a guarantee or the state of being certain.