Preposterous - English Definition & Meaning

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Definition

Preposterous means utterly absurd or ridiculous; contrary to reason or common sense. It's like suggesting that pigs can fly or that the earth is flat. It describes something so illogical that it's laughable. It often evokes a sense of disbelief or incredulity. It’s more extreme than just 'silly' or 'foolish'. Think of the most outlandish idea you can imagine, and that's preposterous.

Etymology

The word 'preposterous' comes from the Latin 'praeposterus,' meaning 'reversed' or 'absurd'. It is formed from 'prae' (before) and 'posterus' (coming after). The term literally means 'having that which should be last, first,' indicating something out of order or illogical. It has been used in English since the 16th century.

Related Words

Examples

  • "The idea of going to school in pajamas is preposterous!"
  • "His excuse for being late was utterly preposterous."
  • "It's preposterous to think that you can get rich overnight."
  • "The plot of that movie was so preposterous I couldn't stop laughing."

Anecdote / Story

Remember the movie 'Monty Python and the Holy Grail'? The entire plot is filled with preposterous situations, like arguing with a knight who refuses to die or searching for the Holy Grail with coconuts. The film's humor relies on the absurdity of these scenarios. It's a perfect example of how preposterous ideas can be hilarious and entertaining. 🀣

Encouragement

Add 'preposterous' to your vocabulary to describe something incredibly absurd or ridiculous. It's a fun word to use when expressing disbelief or amusement. Keep exploring new words! πŸ€“

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