preposterous
|pre/pos/ter/ous|
C1
🇺🇸
/prɪˈpɑːstərəs/
🇬🇧
/prɪˈpɒstərəs/
absurd or ridiculous
Etymology
Etymology Information
'preposterous' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'praeposterus,' where 'prae-' meant 'before' and 'posterus' meant 'after.'
Historical Evolution
'praeposterus' transformed into the Middle English word 'preposterous,' and eventually became the modern English word 'preposterous.'
Meaning Changes
Initially, it meant 'having the last first,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'absurd or ridiculous.'
Meanings by Part of Speech
Adjective 1
contrary to reason or common sense; utterly absurd or ridiculous.
The idea that the earth is flat is preposterous.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Last updated: 2025/01/11 11:35