preposterous — contrary to reason or common sense; utterly absurd or ridiculous
Part of speech: ADJECTIVE
Definition: contrary to reason or common sense; utterly absurd or ridiculous
Pronunciation (IPA): /prɪˈpɑːstərəs/
Example Sentences
- The idea that my goldfish could solve calculus problems is absolutely preposterous.
- It would be preposterous to wear a winter coat to the beach in summer.
- The CEO called the proposal preposterous and rejected it immediately.
preposterous
ADJECTIVE[/prɪˈpɑːstərəs/]
contrary to reason or common sense; utterly absurd or ridiculous
His preposterous excuse for being late made the entire classroom burst into laughter.
His boisterous claims of becoming prosperous seem utterly preposterous!
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
From Latin 'praeposterus' meaning 'reversed, inverted, absurd,' composed of 'prae' (before) and 'posterus' (coming after, latter). The word literally means 'before-after' or having things in the wrong order, which evolved to mean absurd or contrary to reason.
Breakdown
prae- (before) + posterus (after, latter) = praeposterus (reversed/absurd) → preposterous (utterly absurd)
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“The idea that my goldfish could solve calculus problems is absolutely preposterous.”
“It would be preposterous to wear a winter coat to the beach in summer.”
“The CEO called the proposal preposterous and rejected it immediately.”
“Charging $100 for a cup of coffee seems preposterous to most people.”
📚Related Words
Synonyms
Antonyms
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