rhizoverbBeta
DictionarypreposterousUtterly unreasonable
adjective

preposterous

prih-PAH-stur-us/prɪˈpɑːstərəs/

So unreasonable as to be ridiculous.

The idea of a tiny bicycle towing an ocean liner is preposterous.

Absurd proposal of tiny bicycle towing huge ocean liner, visual impossibility clear.
Etymology
preLatinbefore
+posterousLatincoming after

“Before” joined to “coming after” evokes putting first what ought to come last. This reversed order supplies the image behind something contrary to reason or absurd.

In context

Libranima10:04
Though all comparison in the way of general bulk between the whale and the elephant is preposterous, inasmuch as in that particular the elephant stands in much the same respect to the whale that a dog does to the elephant
Moby Dick - Illustrated Audiobook for Focused Reading (Part 3/3)

More examples

  • His excuse sounded preposterous.
  • They rejected the preposterous accusation.
  • It was a preposterous amount to charge for a glass of water.

Forms

preposterous

Similar words

absurd
The ordinary term for something plainly unreasonable.
ludicrous
Ludicrous emphasizes provoking ridicule or laughter.