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Preposterously - Meaning, Definition & English Examples

Preposterously means something is absurd, ridiculous, or contrary to reason. It describes actions or ideas so unreasonable that they seem laughable or illogical. For example, He preposterously claimed he could fly.

preposterously

/prɪˈpɑːstərəsli/ /prɪˈpɒstərəsli/

Definition:

In a manner contrary to reason or common sense; absurdly.

Synonyms:

absurdly, ridiculously, ludicrously, outrageously

Part of Speech:

adverb

Antonyms:

sensibly, reasonably, logically

Common Collocations:

preposterously expensive, preposterously large, preposterously unfair

Derivatives:

preposterousness, preposterous

Usage Tips:

Use "preposterously" to emphasize extreme absurdity or irrationality in actions or ideas.

Common Phrases:

preposterously high, preposterously low, preposterously over the top

Etymology:

From Latin "praeposterus" (reversed, absurd), combining "prae-" (before) and "posterus" (coming after).

Examples:

  • 1. The idea was preposterously unrealistic from the start.
  • 2. He dressed preposterously for the formal event, wearing pajamas and flip-flops.
  • 3. The price of that tiny house was preposterously high.
  • 4. She laughed at his preposterously exaggerated story about catching a fish as big as a car.

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