preposterous
UK: /prɪˈpɒstərəs/ | US: /prɪˈpɑːstərəs/
adj. contrary to reason or common sense; absurd
adj. ridiculously inappropriate or foolish
The word "preposterous" originates from Latin praeposterus, combining prae- (before) and posterus (coming after). It literally means "before-after," implying a reversal of natural order. This inversion evolved metaphorically to describe anything absurd or illogical—as if things were placed backwards. The suffix -ous turns it into an adjective, solidifying its modern meaning of "utterly unreasonable."
The idea that cats could govern a country is preposterous.
His preposterous claim about meeting aliens made everyone laugh.
It’s preposterous to expect a toddler to solve advanced math problems.
The judge dismissed the case due to its preposterous arguments.
Wearing a swimsuit in a snowstorm is simply preposterous.