preposterous
word
/pɹɪˈpɑstɝəs/
pri-PAHS-tur-us
/pɹɪpˈɒstəɹəs/
pri-POS-tuh-rus
Definition
Extremely unreasonable, silly, or completely ridiculous; something that doesn't make sense at all.
Usage & Nuances
'Preposterous' is formal, often used for strong criticism or disbelief, and is common in written or serious spoken English. It implies that an idea is not just wrong, but ridiculous. Collocates with 'idea,' 'suggestion,' 'claim,' and 'notion.' Slightly old-fashioned in casual speech; often replaced by 'ridiculous' or 'absurd.'
Spanish: absurdo - disparatadoPortuguese (BR): absurdo - ridículoPortuguese (PT): absurdo - disparatadoChinese (Simplified): 荒谬的 - 荒唐的Chinese (Traditional): 荒謬的 - 荒唐的Hindi: बेतुका - अबोधगम्यArabic: سخيف - غير معقولBengali: অযৌক্তিক - হাস্যকর - নির্বোধRussian: нелепый - абсурдный - вздорныйJapanese: とんでもない - ばかげたVietnamese: lố bịch - vô lý - ngớ ngẩnKorean: 터무니없는 - 말도 안 되는Turkish: saçma - akıl almazUrdu: مضحکہ خیز - بے وقوفانہIndonesian: keterlaluan - tidak masuk akal - konyol
Example Sentences
The idea that cats can talk is preposterous.
basic
Honestly, that claim is just preposterous!
natural
You want me to work all weekend? That's preposterous!
natural
The cost of that meal was preposterous for what we got.
natural
That suggestion is preposterous.
basic
It would be preposterous to believe everything you hear.
basic