English vocabulary · C1
Preposterous
/prɪˈpɑː.stər.əs/ · adj.
It means so absurd and unreasonable that it is almost funny — something no one could take seriously.
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Example sentences
- His plan to walk to Japan was preposterous.
- The idea that she would work for free was preposterous.
Word origin and roots
from Latin
- pre — before (from Latin)
- post — after (from Latin)
Synonyms and nuances
- ABSURD — completely against reason (Logically impossible)
- RIDICULOUS — worthy of mockery (Deserves to be laughed at)
- LUDICROUS — so wrong it is funny (Laughably wrong)
Words with the same root
post — after
- posterior — the back or rear side
- posterity — all future generations
Lesson notes
Preposterous. It means so absurd and unreasonable that it is almost funny — something no one could take seriously.
Similar words are absurd, ridiculous, and ludicrous. Use preposterous when something is so unreasonable it makes you laugh.
His plan to walk to Japan was preposterous. The idea that she would work for free was preposterous.
From Latin. pre- means before. post- means after. Before after — completely backwards — that is preposterous.